Historical Collections of the Topsfield Historical Society

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Rev. Anson McRoud.

THE

HISTORICAL

COLLECTIONS

OF THE

TOPSFIELD

HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

VOL. III.

1897.

TOPSFIELD, MASS. :
Published by the Society,
1897.

Newspaper Items Relating to
Topsfield.

Copied by Geo. Frs. Dow.

Valuable data relating to towns and
individuals oftentimes finds its only
record in the columns of the news-
paper. The following items cover
everything directly concerning Tops-
field found in the files of the Salem
newspapers from the first issue in
1768 to the year 1800.

To be sold,

A piece of land in Topsfield con-
taining about 7 acres bounded
southeasterly on land laid out to
Francis Cabot, southwesterly on
land of Thomas Symonds and William
Rogers, northwesterly on the high-
way and northeasterly by a wall.
For further particulars enquire of
Peter Frye, Esq., in Salem, or John
Brown Merchant in Boston.

Essex Gazette , Aug. 14, 1770.

Salem, May 28, 1771. Mr. Sam-
uel Town, in crossing Topsfield
River in a Canoe, last Saturday
Se’nnight, fell over and was drowned.
His Body was found the Monday
following. He was between 60 & 70
Years of Age.

Essex Gazette, May 28, 1771.

Boston, Oct. 3, 1771. We learn
from Topsfield that the copper-mine,
some time since opened there, at 12
or 15 feet depth, affords such sam-

ples of fine, lively ore, extended in
spatterings all over the pit, that
experienced miners have declared the
appearances preferable to any yet
discovered in America.

[Mass. Spy].

Essex Gazette, Oct. 8, 1771.

Abigail, my wife, obstinately re-
fusing to continue with me in Obedi-
ence to marriage Covenant, in that
she refuses to bed and board with
me ; Therefore these are to forbid all
Persons from harbouring and enter-
taining the said Abigail as they
would avoid the Penalty of the Law :
but if the said Abigail will return to
her Husband, and behave agreeably
in her marriage station, then I stand
ready to forgive all former pardon-
able offences, as though they had
never been : Furthermore, I the said
Joseph forbid all Persons contracting
any Debts with the said Abigail, for
I will not pay one Farthing of any
Debt contracted by her from the Date
hereof.

Joseph Bradstreet,
Topsfield, 1772, July 30th.

Essex Gazette, Aug. 4, 1772.

Died. At Topsfield, on Monday
the 22d Instant, and was decently
interred the Thursday following, Mrs.
Sarah Fessenden Consort of William
Fessenden, A. M. To reflect on the

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amiable Deportment, the virtuous
and blameless Life and Christian
Conduct of the Deceased, must ad-
minister that Consolation to her
sorrowful Relict, and all who were
nearly concerned in her Life and
Death, which can arise from no other
source.

The memory of the Just is blessed.

Essex Gazette , Mar. 30, 1773,

A Woman at Topsfield, privately
procured a Line, which she concealed
till an opportunity offered for ex-
ecuting her Design ; and on the 25th
ult., she was found hanging by her
Neck, dead, in her Chamber.

Essex Gazette^ June 26, 1773.

Proceedings of the Town of
Topsfield.

At a legal Town Meeting in Tops-
field, May 1 8th, 1773. — Agreeable to
an Article in the Warrant, the Town
took under Consideration a Letter,
a Pamphlet, and other Papers accom-
panying the same, sent to this Town
by the Committee of Correspondence
of the Town of Boston, containing a
List of the Rights of the Colonists,
and of this Province in particular ;
also a List of the Infringements and
Violations of these Rights, for the
Consideration of this Town. It
being near the close of the Day, a
Motion was made to chuse a Com-
mittee, to take under their Consider-
ation the Letter, &c. and that the
Meeting be adjourned, and the com-
mittee to make a draft in answer to
said Letter (if they shall judge
proper) and to lay the same before
the Town at the adjournment of the
said meeting.

The Town chose a Committee of

nine Persons for the Purpose afore-
said, and adjourned said meeting to
the Eighth Day of June — June 8th,
1773, the Town being met together
on the Adjournment, the Letter,
Pamphlet, and 'other Papers being
read and duly considered, the Com-
mittee then reported the following
Draft in answer, &c.

That it is the opinion of this Town
that the Inhabitants of the Town of
Boston, have truly and justly stated
the Rights of the Colonists, and this
Province in particular, as first their
national Rights as men, secondly
their Rights as Christians by the Laws
of God, and thirdly their Rights as
Subjects by the Constitution, all
which Rights in the opinion of this
town, the Colonists in general, and
the Inhabitants of this Province in
particular are and forever ought to
be truly and justly intitled to, unless
by their own Act, they forfeit them.
It is also the opinion of this Town
that the Infringements and Violations
made on those Rights are truly and
rightly stated, aud that if such Vio-
lations and Infringements are still
continued in, it will prove the Ruin
of this Province, if not the whole
Continent of America, and we fear
the whole kingdom of Great Britian
too ; and we look upon it the Duty
of this and every Town in this Prov-
ince, in a legal way, to use our and
their utmost endeavors to prevent
the execution of any and all uncon-
stitutional Act or Acts that has
been or that may hereafter be made
to deprive us of any of our just
Rights and Liberties, or to take
away our Property from us, without
our Consent, and that this Town in
particular will be ready at all Times,

8

to join with their Brethren, in every
legal way and manner, to defend the
life and Person of his Majesty, and
the Lives of our Brethren, his
Majesty’s loyal subjects, and in the
same way to preserve and defend
our own lawful Rights, Liberties,
and Properties even to the last
Extremity.

And that the Thanks of this Town
be given to the Town of Boston, for
their taking such early Care in
stating the Rights of the Colonists,
and making a Representation of the
Infringements and Violations that
are made of our just Rights and
Liberties.

The Town voted to accept the
above Report by a great majority,
and then chose Capt. Samuel Smith,
Capt. John Boardman, and Deacon
John Gould a Committee for Corre-
spondence with the Committee of
Correspondence of Boston.

Also voted, That the Town clerk
transmit an authenticated copy of the
foregoing Votes to the Committee of
Correspondence of Boston.

A true copy.

Attest, Elijah Porter,

Town clerk.

Essex Gazette , Sept. 21, 1773.

Robert Davis Now rides as
Carrier from Salem to Haverhill. He
sets off from S. and E. Hall’s Print-
ing office at nine o’Clock every Tues-
day Morning, and will carry Letters,
Packets, and mail Bundles, at a
reasonable Rate. Any person may
be supplied by him with the Essex
Gazette at the usual Price of 6s. 8d.
per Annum, and Is. for postage.

Essex Gazette , July 19, 1774.

Topsfield, July 15, 1774.

Monday the 11th Instant died,
and Yesterday was decently interred,
the Reverend Mr. John Emerson,
Pastor of the Church in this Town.
He was a Native of the Town of
Newbury, was educated at Harvard
College, the first Honours of which
he received in the year 1726. Soon
after he went into the study of Di-
vinity, and was settled in the pastoral
office in this Place sometime in the
Month of November, 1728; and
continued a faithful Labourer in the
Gospell Ministry upward of 45 Years.

His religious Sentiments were the
same, for Substance, with those of
the good old puritanic Christians who
first planted the Gospel in New-Eng-
land : And he ever lamented and bore
his Testimony against, as a real
Apostacy from the Spirit and Relig-
ion of our pious Ancestors, the
Growth of Principles of a very dif-
erent Cast and Tendency, which of
late Years, have obtained such Foot-
ing in many Parts of the Land. His
Deportment was pleasant yet serious
such as shewed that the Religion he
professed habitually influenced both
his Heart and Life.

His Preaching was plain, close and
searching : as the Points he princi-
pally pursued and mainly dwelt on,
were such as related to experimental
and practical Religion.

His sorrowful surviving Consort
has in him, lost a tender husband ;
his Children, an affectionate Parent;
and the People of his Charge a good
Minister.

His last Illness was of the linger-
ing kind, as consisting in a universal
ill Habit of Body : which notwith-
standing he sustained with great

4

Patience and Submission to the
divine Will : meeting his appioaching
Dissolution with the Calmness ; Forti-
tude, and Resignation of a Christian.
Essex Gazette , July 26, 1774.

At a meeting of Delegates from
every town in the county of Essex,
in the province of Massachusetts
Bay, held at Ipswich, in said County,
on the 6th and 7th days of Septem-
ber, 1774, viz

(were present)

For Topsfield, Capt. Samuel Smith,
Mr John Gould, Mr Enos Knight. .

Various Resolves were passed, see
newspaper account.

Essex Gazette , Sept . 13, 1774.

At a meeting of the Alarm List
and Training- Band of the first Foot
Company in Topsfield, on the 6th of
December, 1774, (agreeable to the
Advice of the Provincial Congress)
to choose officers for said Company.
Voted, Mr Stephen Perkins, Captain :
Mr Solomon Dodge, Lieutenant : Mr
David Perkins, Ensign : and all other
officers by a very large Majority, and
upon a Declaration of their several
choice there appeared great Satis-
faction.

Essex Gazette Dec. 20, 1774.

At a Meeting of the Alarm List
and Training Band of the Foot Com-
pany in Topsfield, on the 5th of
December, 1774, to chuse Officers
for the said Company (agreeable to
the Advice of the Provincial Con-
gress) Voted, Mr Stephen Perkins,
Chairman : Voted, Mr Joseph Gould,
Captain.

The Day being Spent a Motion
was made for said Meeting to be
adjourned to the next Morning, 9
o’clock : the Question was put, and
passed in the affirmative & accord-
ingly said meeting was adjourned to
said Time. December 6, Said
Alarm List and Training Band met
according to adjournment, a Motion
was made said Company to be divid-
ed into two distinct Companies : the
Question was put and accordingly
they were divided into two Com-
panies : the first Company voted Mr
Joseph Gould, Captain : Mr Samuel
Cummings, Lietenant: Mr Thomas
Moore, Ensign : and all the other
Officers by a great Majority. The
second Company voted Mr Stephen
Perkins, Captain : Mr Solomon Dodge
Lieutenant : Mr David Perkins, En-
sign : & all the other Officers by a
great Majority.

Essex Gazette , Dec . 27, 1774.

Elijah Porter was clerk to the
Proprietors of Raymond, a township
in Cumberland County, also of Hale’s
Town in New Hampshire. See adver-
tismentof 20s. levy in

Essex Gazette , Jan. 24, 1775.

Last Saturday Evening died at
Topsfield, Mr Benjamin Kimball late
student at Harvard College Son of
Mr Jacob Kimball of that Town.
His Illness was a Fever and Dysen-
tery in which he was exercised with
great Pain, which he sustained with
great Patience and remarkable sub-
mission to the Devine Will. His
Hopes of eternal life were firm and
strong to the very last which enabled
him to entertain the Views of his

5

Dissolution with a Calmness and
Serenity of Mind which was truly
surprising, as well as satisfying and
comforting to all who conversed
with him in his sickness.

Essex Gazette , Sept. 7, 1775.

To be Sold.

A small farm in Topsfield, con-
sisting of excellent land, with a new
house on it, and a barn in good order.
It will keep eight or ten cows through
the year. For particulars, inquire of
Nathaniel Richardson, near the Rev.
Mr. Dimau’s meeting house in
Salem, said Richardson has to sell, a
few hogsheads of stone lime.

Salem Gazette , Jan. 1782.

Excise Tax

Whereas, Jonathan Webster, Esqr :
Collector of Excise for Essex Coun-
ty, has given notice, in the public
print, to all licensed persons on
spirituous liquors and teas, and
owners of carriages, to meet at a
certain time and place, to pay the
duties thereon ; in the several towns
hereafter mentioned, viz : — Salem,
Lynn, Danvers, Middleton, Tops-
field and Boxford : and I the sub-
scriber have attended at the time and
place therein mentioned : and as

there are many persons who have
not settled their excise, this is to
notify all such, that they call imme-
diately at my house, or at Capt.
Webb’s, inn holder at Salem, where
constant attendance will be given, as
they would wish to avoid further
trouble and expense.

Samuel Epes.

Deputy Collector.

Salem Gazette , Jan. 2, 1783.

Excise Tax.

The Collector of Excise for the
county of Essex gives notice, that he
shall attend, by himself or deputies,
in the several towns in said county
to collect the duty on carriages, as
follows, viz. — On the 17th at Mr
Daniel Clarke’s in Topsfield, from 3
to 6 P. M. All concerned are re-
quested to attend that the collection
may be completed.

Samuel Ward,

Coll. Excise Essex County.
Salem, 10th June 1783.

Salem Gazette , June 12, 1783.

All Concerned

are desired to take notice, That the
Collector of Excise for Essex County
will attend by himself or deputies in
the several towns hereafternamed,
to receive the excise due the 15th
May next, as follows. — On the 18th
at Mr John Baker’s in Topsfield,
from 2 to 5 P. M.

All licensed and permitted persons
in said county are desired to attend
at the several places aforementioned,
and settle their respective accounts.

Any who are delinquent in paying
the tax on carriages are requested to
settle the same and prevent further
trouble and expense.

Samuel Ward,

Coll. Excise Essex County.
Salem, April 19, 1784.

Salem Gazette , Apr. 20, 1784.

A gentleman at Topsfield has sent
us the following account —

On Thursday the 3d inst. Mr
Thomas Emerson, of Topsfield, in-
vited a great number of his neigh-
bors to assist him in raising a frame

6

for a barn, 80 feet long and 30 feet
wide ; which they proceeded in,
until they had got up the body of the
frame. They had got the beams on
the scaffolds, and had put on one
plate, and were getting on the other,
which was the whole length of the
frame, and the timber very heavy ;
when about forty feet in the middle
of the frame, consisting of five posts,
in the front, as many beams, and a
scaffold of the same length, and the
whole plate, with all the braces, girts
and joists belonging thereto, almost
instantly fell to the ground.

It was judged by the spectators,
that there were about 30 men on that
part of the frame, when it fell ; a
large number of whom were wounded,
five or six badly, and one mortally,
viz. Mr. Jeremiah Pearley, an inhab-
itant of the town : his wound was a
fracture in the skull, which was sup-
posed he received by falling on a
stone that lay under the frame ; he
died in about twelve hours after he
was wounded.

He was about 35 years of age, and
has left a young and disconsolate
widow to mourn his untimely fate.

Salem Gazette , June 8, 1784.

Nathan Peabody, Haverhill Post
Rider.

Informs the Publick, that he sets
out from Boston for Haverhill on
Thursdays, and from Haverhill
to Salem on Mondays, and returns
on Tuesdays. Those gentlemen who
may please to entrust him with the
conveyance of letters, etc., may
depend upon their being delivered
with punctuality and on very moder-
ate terms.

Salem Gazette , May 31, 1785.

Two letters for Abr. Hobbs of
Topsfield were at the Salem Post
Office, Sept. 29, 1785.

Salem Gazette , Oct. 4, 1785.

Died. At Topsfield, on the 1st
instant after a short illness, Mrs.
Mary Gould, Wife of Daniel Gould,
A. M. of that place. She has left a
kind and tender Husband, with an
infant Babe, together with a large
circle of friends and acquaintances
to lament her death. It may with
truth be said, that her life was spent
in one continual series of good econ-
omy, virtue, piety and benevolence.

Salem Gazette . Oct . 11, 1785.

William Cleaveland, collector of
excise for the West District of Essex
County, advertised to be at the house
of Mr John Baker in Topsfield, from
3 to 5 P. M. on the 18th of Nov.
1785.

Salem Gazette, Oct. 18, 1785.

On Wednesday the 19th ult. the
Rev. John Cleaveland jun. was or-
dained Pastor of the church in
Stoneham. Rev. Daniel Breck of
Topsfield, gave the Right Hand of
Fellowship.

Salem Gazette , Nov. 1, 1785.

Died. At Topsfield, on Monday
the 14th instant, Samuel Smith, Esq.
aged 72. — So amiable aud worthy a
character as he evidently appeared,
both in public and private, will ren-
der the memory of him ever precious.
For a number of years he represented
the town in the General Court, where
he was esteemed a man of integrity

7

and uprightness. His usefulness
among those with whom he was
more immediately conversant, was
eminent. He was a sincere friend to
the liberties of his country, and a
strenuous advocate for the doctrine
of Christianity.

“The memory of the just is
blessed.”

Salem Gazette , Nov. 22, 1785.

The creditors of the estate of Mr
Jacob Andrews late of Boxford,
yeoman, were notified to prove their
claims before the commissioners,
Stephen Symonds and Benjamin
Perley, on the last Tuesday of Nov.
1786, at the house of Samuel Hood,
innholder, in Topsfield.

Salem Mercury , Nov. 16, 1786.

The subscribers appointed com-
missioners by the Hon. Benj. Green-
leaf, Esq. Judge of Probate, etc. tfor
the county of Essex, to receive and
examine the claims of the several
creditors to the estate of Mrs. Sarah
Gould, late of Topsfield, in said
county, deceased, represented insol-
vent, and 6 months being allowed
for that purpose — give notice, that
they will attend said business, on the
third Wednesday of this and the five
following mouths, from 4 till 7
o’clock P. M. at Captain John Ba-
ker’s, innholder in Topsfield afore-
said.

Stephen Symonds.

Daniel Bixby.

Topsfield, Oct. 13, 1787.

Salem Mercury , Oct. 16 1787.

Cincinnati !

The Members of the Society of

Cincinnati, residing in the county of
Essex, are requested to meet at Mr.
Baker’s tavern in Topsfield, on Wed-
nesday the 21st instant at 2 o’clock
P. M.

As business of some consequence,
relative to the Society, will come
before them, a general and punctual
attendance is desired.

Frederick Frye.

Nov. 5th, 1797.

Salem Mercury , Nov. 6, 1787.

Mr. Israel Clark is chosen delegate
to the Convention for Topsfield.
(The State Convention to consider
the new Federal Constitution.)

Salem Mercury , Bee. 25, 1787.

The collector of Excise advertised to
be at the house of Capt. John Baker
in Topsfield, May 2. 1788, from 3 to
4 o’clock P. M. to receive excise.

Salem Mercury , Apr. 8, 1788.

At the election held April 7, 1788»
Topsfield voted as follows : —

Gov — Hancock 53. Gerry 13.

Lt. Gov — Lincoln 53. Warren 13.
Salem Mercury , April 15, 1788.

General orders issued by Maj. Gen*
Jonathan Titcomb of the 2d Division
from Newburyport, dated 26 Apr.
1788 shows that Ipswich, Topsfield
and Wenham constituted the 2d
regiment in the 2d brigade in the
above said division.

Salem Mercury, May 6, 1788.

In an “extract of a letter from a
gentleman at the new settlement of
Muskingum (Ohio) to a person in

8

this town (Salem) dated July 20th
1788” is the following.

The Rev. Mr. Breck is here, and
this day preached the first sermon
that was ever delivered on the banks
of the Muskingum, from Exodus xix.
5, 6. Now, therefore , if ye will
obey my voice indeed , and keep my
covenant , then ye shall be a peculiar
treasure unto me , above all people;
for all the earth is mine; and ye
shall be unto me a kingdom of
priests , and a holy nation.

Salem Mercury , Sept. 9, 1788.

The Collector of Excise gave no-
tice that he would be at Topsfield, at
Samuel Hood’s from 1 to 2 o’clock
P. M. on Nov. 1st 1788, to collect
excise.

Salem Mercury , Oct 14, 1788.

On Wednesday last, Colonel
Waide’s regiment was reviewed at
Ipswich by the Hon. Majorgeneral
Titcomb. After the review, a well
planned representation of the storm-
ing a fort was exhibited with much
spirit and propriety. The fort was
situated on a hill near the meeting-
house, and defended by a party of
infantry and Capt. Brown’s horse.
The assailants came up in two col-
umns from different quarters ; when
the fort was summoned, the com-
mander of which resolutely refused
to surrender.

The battle then began ; each body
of the assailants was opposed by a
party of horse, the former were re-
pulsed, when three cheers resounded
from the fort ; they, however, return-
ed to the attack, displayed from the
hill, surrounded the fort, and carried

the works in an instant.

This performance gave great pleas-
ure to many military characters who
were spectators.

After this was finished, the line
was formed, and the troops went
through the firings with a regularity
and precision which could not have
been expected. The men were well
dressed, well armed, and paid that
strict attention to command which in
a great meausure made up for their
want of experience, and gained them
the approbation of their fellow
citizens.

Salem Mercury , Oct. 28, 1788.

Next Monday

The 3d of November, at 1 o’clock,
P. M. Will be Sold.

AT PUBLICK VENDUE.

A farm, consisting of about 90 acres,

with a House and Barn thereon,

situated in the Southwestern part of
Topsfield, and belonging to Mr.
John Rea. Sale to be on the
premises, conditions of which will be
made known at the time and place
thereon. For further particulars,
inquire of said John Rea, living on
the premises.

Topsfield, Oct. 27, 1788.

Salem Mercury , Oct. 28, 1788.

All persons indebted to or having
demands on, the estate of Joshua
Towne late of Topsfield, yeoman,
deceased, are requested immediately
to settle with

Jacob Towne, Admr.

Topsfield, Nov. 1st, 1788.

Salem Mercury , Nov. 4, 1788.

DIED. At Topsfield, Mrs. Board-

man, relict of Capt. John Boardman,
late of that place, deceased.

Salem Mercury, Feb. 17, 1789.

DIED. At Topsfield, Mrs. Anna
Hood, aged 24, wife of Mr. John
Hood, jun.

Salem Mercury, Sept. 22, 1789.

The Collector of Excise advertized
to be at Sami Hood’s Topsfield, from
1 to 2 o’clock, P. M. Nov. 2, 1789.
Salem Mercury, Oct 13, 1789.

All persons indebted to, or having
demands on, the estate of Joseph
Towne, late of Topsfield, yeoman,
deceased, are requested to apply for
a speedy settlement to

Martha Towne,

Admx.

Topsfield, Nov. 2, 1789.

Salem Mercury, Nov. 3, 1789.

On Thursday last, the Rev. Mr.
Huntington was ordained to the pas-
toral care of the church of Christ in
Topsfield.

The Rev. Mr. Knott of Norwich
(Connecticut) opened the solemnity
with prayer; Rev. Mr. Hart of Pres-
ton (Connecticut) preached a sermon,
from Heb. xii. 1 — Wherefore, seeing
we also are compassed about with so
great a cloud of witnesses ; Rev.
Mr. Smith of Middleton made the
ordaining prayer ; Rev. Mr. Cleave-
land of Chebacco gave the charge ;
Rev. Mr. Dana of Ipswich made the
concluding prayer ; Rev. Mr. Holy-
oke of Boxford gave the right hand
of fellowship.

Salem Mercury, Nov . 17, 1789.

Installed — at Hartland, Vermont,
Rev. Mr. Breck, late pastor of the
church in Topsfield.

Salem Gazette, Jan. 5, 1790.

Died. At Topsfield, Mrs. Eliza-
beth Emerson, widow of the Rev.
John Emerson, 81.

Salem Gazette, Apr. 6, 1790.

The Collector of Excise advertised
to be at Hood’s in Topsfield on May
5, 1790, from 3 to 4 P. M.

Salem Gazette, Apr. 20, 1790.

Died. At Topsfield, suddenly,
Mrs. Gould wife of Mr. Nathaniel
Gould, aged 35.

Salem Gazette, Apr. 20, 1790.

The subscribers being appointed
commissioners by the Hon. B. Green-
leaf, Esq., Judge of Probate of
Wills, etc., for the County of Essex,
to receive and examine the claims of
the several creditors of the estate of
Mr. Nathaniel Bragg, late of Tops-
field, in said County, house-wright,
deceased — represented as insolvent;
and 6 months from the 5th day of
July instant being allowed the credi-
tors to said estate to bring in and
prove their claims, do hereby give
notice that they will attend that busi-
ness at the house of Capt. John
Baker, innholder, in said Topsfield,
on the last Monday of this and the
five following months, from 4 to 6
o’clock in the afternoon of each day.
Daniel Bixby,

John Merriam,
Topsfield, July 7, 1790.

Salem Gazette, Jidy 13, 1790.

10

The Collector of Excise advertized
to be at Baker’s in Topsfleld on
Wednesday, Oct. 13, 1790 from 2 to
4 o’clock, P. M.

Salem Gazette , Oct. 5, 1790.

Died. At Topsfleld. Miss Ilitty
Kimball, aged 32, eldest daughter of
Mr. Jacob Kimball.

Salem Mercury , Nov. 23, 1790.

The County of Essex contains
57908 inhabitants, of these the town
of Topsfleld contains 780.

Salem Mercury , Jan. 4, 1791.

By Order of Court.

To be sold at Public Vendue, on
Thursday the 12th of May next, at
11 o’clock in the forenoon.

So much of the Real Estate of Mr.
Joshua Towne, late of Topsfleld,
deceased as will amount to about
Seven Hundred Pounds — consisting
of

TWO FARMS,

situated in Topsfleld, with two Dwell-
ing-Houses and four Barns thereon,
about 120 acres of Upland, a large
quantity of Meadows, lying in Wen-
ham, Topsfleld and Danvers. Also,
a small Wood Lot in Boxford, and
two small pieces of Salt Marsh in
Ipswich.

Sale to be on said farms.

Jacob Towne, jun., Admx.

Topsfleld, April 19, 1781.

Salem Mercury, May 3, 1791.

Died. At Topsfleld, on the 6th
inst. Mrs. Lucy Cleaveland, wife of
Nehemiah Cleaveland, Esq., and
eldest daughter of John Manning,

Esq., of Ipswich, aged 29 years.

Thro’ life, Mrs. Cleaveland sup-
ported an amiable character. As a
daughter and a wife, the domestic
Virtues and Graces were her attend-
ants. Her numerous relations and
acquaintances sincerely lament the
death of one so useful to her friends
and so ornamental to Society.

Salem Gazette , June 14, 1791.

Died. At Topsfleld, Mr. Jacob
Averell, in the 89th year of his age.
Besides a number of children, grand-
children, &c.f who mourn the loss of
Mr. Averell, he has left a wife, now
. in her 86th year, with whom he lived,
in great conjugal affection, 63 years
and 4 months.

Salem Gazette , July 5, 1791.

For the Salem Gazette.

Mr. Cushing.

Some of your country readers are
well pleased when they meet in your
paper, with a question fitted to exer-
cise their skill in figures, as in that
way, they may agreeably pass a
leisure hour, especially in a winter’s
evening. It is but seldom I have an
opportunity of peeping into a news-
paper, and when it happens, it is
commonly a stale one, of 2 or 3
weeks back — but I lately met with
your fresh Gazette of August 30th —
may be I shan’t see another for a
month to come. In that of August
30th I met with a question proposed
in the following words : “suppose
that ten seconds transpire from the
first descent of a stone into a Well
to the time of the echo, or the first
hearing of the sound, what must be
the measure of the depth of that

11

Well?” Which, at first sight, struck
me as a curious and entertaining
question — not attending to the implied
intention of it to puzzle some partic-
ular person, I and two or three of
my neighbors have done our possibles
to answer it, but we can do nothing
with it, not being able to ’scry out
what relation the transpiring of ten
seconds from the first descent of the
stone into the well, to the time of the
first hearing the sound, alone, has to
the depth of the well ; and we sus-
pect that the propounder of the ques-
tion has imposed upon your readers,
by propounding a question which he
knew, for want of having some one
or more circumstances being made
known, which he has concealed,
could never be answered. Be this
as it may, 1 wish you would please
so far as to indulge me as to inform
the propounder of the above ques-
tion, that 1 have in my garden a
well reckoned as deep as any in the
neighborhood, the bottom of which,
with the addition of my arm’s length
to my well pole I never could reach
by (I believe) a good many feet —
and when he, by knowing only the
length of the well-pole, being 20 feet
and 1 inch exactly, shall determine
the depth of my well, I and two or
three of my neighbors, all of us able
bodied men, will have another tug at
his question — and exert our utmost
endeavors, from the circumstances
of ten seconds transpiring as in the
question set forth, to produce an
answer to it, however fruitless the
attempt may prove.

AGRICOLA.

Topsfield, Sept. 6, 17&.

Salem Gazette , Sept . 13, 1791.

For the Salem Gagette.

Mr. Cushing.

I have seen the question in your
paper respecting a Grindstone —
which proved very amusing and en-
tertaining to several of us, and which
as far as my skill in figures will
allow, I have endeavored here to
answer — which, if you have not a
better, your giving it a place in your
paper will oblige one who sometimes
turns the Grindstone, & (as the com-
mon phraze is) sometimes holds on.

The whole diameter is 60 inches.

The first person wears it till the
diameter is 51 ^y9T inches — or about
one hairs breadth less than 52 inches.

The second person wears it till the
diameter is 42 inches.

The Third ditto till the diameter
is 30 inches.

It then remains for the fourth per-
son to wear it out, allowing nothing
for the eye.

If the gentleman who proposed the
above question will allow my answer
to be nearly right, I will beg leave
to ask, how much must each of the
above named persons wear of the
said Grindstone, that each may have
an equal benefit of it?

Topsfield, 10th November.

Salem Gazette , Nov. 22, 1791.

From Topographical Sketches of
the County of Essex as published in
the Massachusetts Magazine it ap-
pears that Topsfield was incorporated
in 1650, contains 107 houses, 150
families and has a population num-
bering 780. It is an inland town
devoted to the cultivation of the soil.

Salem Gazette , Mar. 13, 1792.

12

By Order of Court.

To be sold at Public Vendue, on
Thursday the 12th day of April next
at 1 o’clock p. m.

A farm of about 60 acres, lying in
the south-east of Topsfield, consist-
ing of upland and meadow ; together
with a large Dwelling-House, two
Barns, and other out buildings,
thereon. Also about 3 acres of Salt

Marsh, lying in Ipswich. Sale to

be at the above dwelling house.

Jacob Towne.
Topsfield, March 17, 1792.

Salem Gazette, March 20, 1792.

Mr. Printer,

The following list of Senators has
been very generally approved by the
landed interest — these are all gentle-
men who have leisure to attend —
ability to understand — and firmness
to pursue, the true concerns of their
country. Mr. G.’s [William Gray,
jun.] name has been handed round
the Seaports — it is sincerely to be
lamented that the very extensive
Commerce that gentleman is engag-
ed in, will by no means suffer him to
atttend to the important affairs of
the County — and as the Commercial
interest is more immediately the reg-
ulation of Congress — the best intend-
ed efforts, to that point, will be in a
measure thrown away.

Topsfield, March 26, 1792.

For Governor — His Excellency John
Hancock, or Hon. Francis Dana.
For Senator — Hon. Azor Orne, Sam-
uel Holton, Samuel Phillips,
Stephen Choate, Richard Ward,
Esq., Theophilus Bradbury, Esq.
Salem Gazette , March 27, 1792.

WILLIAM VANS,
Collector of the Carriage Taxes
for the south district of Essex (Tops-
field being one of the towns named)
gave notice of rediness to receive
such taxes at his house in Salem
until the 20th of April.

Salem Gazette , March 27, 1792.

Died. At Andover, Mrs. Anna
Cummings widow of Capt. Thomas
Cummings of Topsfield, aged 73 ; her
descendants are 15 children, 65
grand-children, and 14 great-grand-
children.

Salem Gazette , April 17, 1792.

By Order of Court.

To be sold at Public Vendue on
Thursday the 24th of May next, at
1 o’clock, P. M.

Part of the Real Estate of Mr.
Israel Clark, late of Topsfield, de-
ceased, consisting of Pasturage and
fresh meadow, lying in Topsfield,
and Salt Marsh lying in Ipswich.
Sale to be at the Dwelling House of
said deceased, in Topsfield aforesaid.

Israel Clark, Admr.
Topsfield, April 23. 1792.

Salem Gazette , April 24, 1792.

On Wednesday last, Mr. Francis
Perley, jun., and Mr. Daniel Chapman
jun. went out in a small canoe upon
a pond in the vicinity [Prichard’s
Pond now known as Hood’s Pond]
with the intention of taking fish ;
when Mr. Perley, in throwing out the
anchor, unfortunately overset the
boat, which threw them both into the
water ; Mr. Chapman, who could
not swim, fortunately fastened upon

13

the canoe, as it lay with the bottom
upward, which sinking with his
weight, bro’t the water almost over
his body ; in that situation he called
for help, while Mr. Perley, trusting
to his skill in swimming, told his
companion that he would make for
the shore, which was upwards of 20
rods distant ; but his strength failing,
he sunk, and was drowned in the
sight of his friend. The neighbors,
at the fatal moment, were unhappily
at a distance ; but the cries of Mr.
Chapman for assistance, were at
length heard by Major Asa Perley,
who immediately flew to his relief,
stripped off his clothes and swam
toward the canoe, tho he was in the
76th year of his age ; but when he
arrived he was unable to move the
canoe, as it was fastened by the
anchor ; he therefore returned to the
shore, when, with the help of a few,
who were by this time collected, by
means of a raft, Mr. Chapman was
relieved from his distressful situation.

The body of Mr. Perley was then
taken up, after it had lain in the
water about two hours.

Every exertion was made to restore
life to it, but all proved ineffectual.

Mr. Perley was in his 28th year,
and was a person of strict integrity ;
he had the happiness of the universal
esteem of his acquaintance, whose
united testimony of his worth will
sufficiently embalm his memory.
Boxford, May 26, 1792.

Salem Gazette , June 5, 1792.

Died. At Topsfield, Mrs. Rebec-
ca Gould, wife of Mr. Zacheus
Gould, aged 69. She has for many
years been in poor health, and thro

all her indisposition has appeared to
exercise Christian patience, and to
have “ Joy and peace in believing”
in the rectitude of divine Government.
She remained in her usual state of
health till a few hours before her
death, when being violently ceased
with pain, it suddenly terminated in
her dissolution. Her husband mourns
under the loss of an agreeable and
tender companion, and society is de-
prived of a useful member. “I was
a stranger and ye took me in; an
hungered and ye gave me meat; naked
and ye clothed me l” might with truth
have been said to her by the number
of twelve persons, whom she has
taken in infancy and childhood, from
among orphans and dependants, and
brought up to mature age. Her ex-
pressions of kindness toward them
were apparently no less than those
which are excited by parental affec-
tion and tenderness ; many of them
still survive to mourn her loss, and
who were, and still are, ready to
“ arise up and call her blessed.”

Salem Gazette , June 5, 1792.

Notice is hereby given, that admin-
istration on the estate of Mrs. Anna
Cummings, late of Topsfield, in the
county of Essex, widow deceased,
intestate, has been duly granted to
the subscriber, who has given bonds
according to law ; and all persons
indebted to, or having demands on
said estate, are requested to apply
for settlement to

Nehemiah Cleaveland, Adrar.
Topsfield, September 17, 1792.

Salem Gazette. Sept. 18, 1792.

Died. AtTopsfield, Miss Priscilla

14

Kimball, daughter of Mr. .Jacob
Kimball, aged 28.

Salem Gazette , Oct. 23, 1792.

Died at Topsfield, on the 2d in-
stant, Mr. Zacheus Gould, in the 76
year of his age. In justice to his
memory, it may with truth be said,
that, through the whole of his life,
he was an example of seriousness,
piety and devotion ; he was possess-
ed of a penetrating mind, and of a
good judgement ; punctual to his en-
gagements, and in his dealings with
mankind.

He represented the town in the
General Court, in the most critical
and trying period, lie has been long
employed in the town in its most
important offices ; the duties whereof
he discharged with integrity, wisdom
and ability.

He was friendly and obliging to all
— the kind and tender husband, —
sincere and agreeable to his friends
— candid and forgiving to the inimi-
cal— a father to the fatherless — and
a generous benefactor to the indegent
and distressed — exemplary in his
public walks and private conversa-
tion— a sincere lover of religion and
of its upright professors — constant
in his attendance on public and di-
vine worship, and in all the ordinanc-
es of the gospel. He could with
pleasure take a retrospective view of
his life, and have the testimony of
his conscience, that he had lived
according to the precepts of the gos-
pel ; knowing that he had strictly
adhered to them through life. This
composed and calmed his mind under
the apprehension of his approaching
dissolution, and in the solemn and

important hour of death ; and there-
fore could chearfully and willingly
resign his soul into the hands of a
merciful Saviour and Redeemer, rely-
ing alone on his merits for justifica-
tion before God the father. His
exemplary virtues endeared him to a
large and extensive circle of friends
and acquaintance ; the solemn gloom
which hangs on their countenances
fully evinces the regard they had for
him, and the value of the man ; and
which manifests, that they are sensi-
ble of the loss they have sustained
by his death. His virtues must
embalm his memory more than sons
and daughters — and the many who
have been under his care, and have
experienced his beneficence, must
rise up and pronounce him blessed.

4 4 Why should we mourn departing
friends ,

Or shake at death’s alarms f
’ Tis but the voice that Jesus sends ,
To call us to his arms.”

Topsfield, Jan. 8th 1793.

Salem Gazette , Jan. 15, 1793.

By order of the Court of Common
Pleas.

To be Sold at Public Vendue ; on
Thursday the 23d day of May next,
at 2 o’clock in the afternoon.

About 10 Acres of Land, situate
in Ipswich, being part of the Real
Estate of Mr. Israel Clarke, late
of Topsfield, deceased.

The sale to be at the dwelling
house of the subscriber, in Topsfield
aforesaid.

Israel Clarke, Admr.

Topsfield, April 19, 1793.

Salem Gazette , Apr. 23, 1793.

15

Died. At Topsfield, Mr. Ephraim
Town, aged 68.

Salem Gazette , Sept. 17, 1793.

A most sorrowful accident took
place on Thursday last ; — Mr. Asa
Bradstreet, a young man belonging
to Topsfield, was driving a team
home from this town, with some
boards in his wagon, and in Danvers,
was observed by a person to be rid-
ing upon the boards, who spoke to
him, and told him he thought his
situation rather unsafe, this startled
Mr. Bradstreet, who is supposed to
have been in a drowse, and he threw
himself off, but fell so that both
wheels passed over his head, and
killed him instantly !

Salem Gazette , Oct. 29, 1793.

Kimball’s Singing-Books are lodg-
ed at W. Carleton’s Book-Store,
Salem, for Subscribers ; where non-
Subscribers may also purchase them.
Salem Gazette , Feb. 4, 1794.

All persons indebted to the estate
of Asa Bradstreet, late of Topsfield,
shoemaker, deceased, are desired to
exhibit their accounts — and all in-
debted, to make speedy payment.

Abigail Bradstreet, Admx.

Topsfield, Jan. 27, 1794.

Salem Gazette, Feb. 4, 1794.

New Musick Book

By J. Kimball.

Just published, price 4-6 single,
and 4-, by the dozen, and for sale by
Thomas & Andrews, the Publishers,

in Boston ; and by Wm. Carleton, in
Salem.

The Rural Harmony, being an
original musical composition, in three
and four parts. — To which is prefix-
ed, An Introduction in the Art of
Singing. For the use of Singing
Schools and Musical Societies.

By Jacob Kimball, jun. A. B.

Subscribers, to whom it may be
convenient, may receive their Books
of W. Carleton, in Salem.

Salem Gazette, Feb. 11, 1794.

By order of Court, to be Sold at
Public Vendue, on Thursday the
10th of April next, at 1 o’clock in
the afternoon. So much of the Real
Estate of Joshua Towne, late of
Topsfield, deceased, as will raise the
sum of about one hundred pounds.

Sale to be on the premises. For
further particulars inquire of

Jacob Towne, jun. Admr.

Topsfield, March 17, 1794.

Salem Gazette , Mar. 25, 1794.

To be Sold

A valuable Farm, situated in Tops-
field, about half a mile from the
Meeting-House, lying partly on the
road leading to Haverhill, and partly
on the Ipswich road, consisting of
about 150 acres, well wooded and
watered, with a good Dwelling-House,
Barn, &c. For further particulars
inquire of the subscriber.

John Baker.

Topsfield, March 22, 1794.
n. b. Terms of payment may be
made easy.

Salem Gazette, Apr. 8, 1794.

16

Letters in the Post-Office, Salem.
April 8, 1794.

Topsfield — Jacob Kimball.

Salem Gazette, Apr. 15, 1794.

Died. At Topsfield, Captain
Joseph Cummings, 101.

Salem Gazette , May 6, 1794.

By Order of Court, to be sold at
Public Vendue on Thursday the bth
of June next, at 2 o'clock in the
afternoon.

So much of the Real Estate of
Joshua Towne, late of Topsfield,
deceased, as will raise the sum of
about forty pounds ; consisting of
Meadow and Upland, and lying in
said Topsfield. — Sale to be on the
premises.

Jacob Towne, jun., Adm’r.

Topsfield, May 12, 1794.

Salem Gazette, May 13, 1794.

Died. At Topsfield, Mr. John
Cree, 64.

Salem Gazette, June 10, 1794.

Letters in the Post-Office,

Salem, — June 23,

Topsfield. Joseph Kilham (2),
Jacob Kimball.

Salem Gazette, June 24, 1794.

Died. At Topsfield, Mrs. Sarah
Dorman, widow of Mr. Nathaniel
Dorman, 51.

Salem Gazette, July 1, 1794.

To be Sold at Public Vendue, by
order of Court, on Thursday the 31st
day of July instant, at 1 o'clock, in

the afternoon.

A Piece of Swamp and Meadow ;
lying in Topsfield and Wenham, to
the amount of eighteen pounds, for
the payment of the debts of Joshua
Towne, late of Topsfield, deceased
— being part of the estate of said
deceased : — Sale to be on the
premises.

Jacob Towne, Admr.

Topsfield, July 14, 1794.

Salem Gazette , July 22, 1794.

“To be Sold at Public Vendue”
with other lots of real estate “about
4 acres of Meadow, at Hunker’s, so
called, in the Town of Topsfield.”
Hannah Friend, Admx.
Wenham, March 16, 1795.

Salem Gazette, March 17, 1795.

Married. At Topsfield, Mr.
Daniel Porter of Danvers, to Miss
Ruthey Mecom of that place.

Salem Gazette, March2\, 1795.

Caution to the Public.

On Saturday last, A F R

of Topsfield, was detected in selling
Veal with part of the Entrails con-
cealed under the Kidney, in order to
increase the weight of it. It is said
this is not the first time the rogue
has been guilty.

Salem Gazette , Apr. 7, 1795.

“To be sold at Public Vendue”
with other lots of real estate “about
6 acres of mowing land in Topsfield,
at Bunker’s (so called).”

Hannah Friend, Admx.
Wenham, April 10, 1795.

Salem Gazette, Apr. 21, 1795.

17

Died. At Topsfield, Miss Lydia
Kimball, daughter of Mr. Jacob
Kimball, aged 25.

Salem Gazette , May 5, 1795.

Excise on Carriages.

The Collector of Excise on Wheel
Carriages for the Western District of
the County of Essex (which included
Topsfield) gave notice of his readi-
ness to “receive the Entries and
Duties” on the same according to act
of Congress.

Salem Gazette , Aug. 4, 1795.

Died. At Topsfield, Mr. Corne-
lius Balch, aged 46.

Salem Gazette , Sept . 1, 1795.

Died. At Topsfield, very sudden-
ly, Mr. Abraham Foster, in the 77th
year of his age.

Salem Gazette , Nov. 3, 1795.

For The Salem Gazette.

Fellow - Citizens ,

The 1st Monday in April is fast
approaching, when we are called
upon by our happy Constitution to
exercise one of the most important
rights of Freemen, viz., the election
of a First Magistrate. Here we will
pause a moment for a few reflections,
and consider what are the prerequi-
sites for the Electors truly to exer-
cise this right ; and I believe it will
be granted by every person of com-
mon sense, that knowledge in the
Elector of the Person to be elected,
is an essential prerequisite ; but as
the territory of this Commonwealth
is so extensive, personal knowledge

in all the Electors of any one Man,
cannot be expected. In the next
place, what are the principal qualifi-
cations in the person to be elected ?
That they are, information, probity
and integrity, I believe will be as
readily granted — from thence it will
follow, the person best known to
most of the Electors, and possessing
the aforesaid qualifications, is the
only person in favour of whom the
suffrages for a First Magistrate ought
to be given — When these principles
are sacredly adhered to, then it is,
the Citizens shew themselves worthy
the character of Freemen, and act
conformably to the principle and
spirit of our free Constitution, and
when this is the real state of Repub-
lics, happy are the people — but when
the Electors are led by cabals and
factions, the citizens condition is
truly deplorable.

Now personally to apply the prem-
ises Conformably to the foregoing
propositions, no nomination for a
First Magistrate, appears so eligible,
as the Honourable Judge Sumner —
who for near twenty years has filled
one of the most conspicuous and
important offices in the Common-
wealth, with *the entire approbation
and satisfaction of the citizens at
large — When on the Bench, coolness
and candour marked his temper,
while Law and Justice governed his
judgment. Add to these the knowl-
edge he must have of the Common-
wealth, by means of his Circuit
travels ; and of the qualifications of
persons necessary for filling Offices,
are such irresistable reasons, as will
induce the free Electors of Essex,
and the Commonwealth at large, to
give him their fullest support ; and

18

in so doing they will shew Republi-
cation virtue, by supporting a real
friend to rational liberty and the
indelible rights of mankind.

A true friend to Constituted Au-
thority.

Topsfield, March 24, 1796.

Salem Gazette , Mar. 29, 1796.

Among the letters remaining at the
Post office, Salem April 1, 1796 was
one for Doctor John Merriam (Tops-
field).

Salem Gazette , April 5, 1796.

Died. At Topsfield, very sudden-
ly, Capt. Samuel Cummings, aged 64.
Salem Gazette, April 12, 1796.

Died. At Topsfield, Miss Betsey
Gould aged 22, daughter of Mr.
John Gould.

Salem Gazette , May 3, 1796.

A person who had lately a just
occasion to pass on Topsfield Road
oh the Lord’s Day, after service,
could not refrain from observation
upon the careful observance of it by
all classes of people. In the space
of eight miles after five in the after-
noon, he did not see one person
abroad, or a single person of either
sex gazing through the windows.
While a free country can preserve
such sacred regard to primitive man-
ners, they may expect the continuance
of the public happiness, and the best
virtues which can belong to national
character.

An enlightened people, under the
influence of social and long establish-
ed institutions of religion, asso-

ciated with hours of meditation,
sober conversation, and devotion,
may hope for the best blessings of
heaven.

All these families are warm friends
to good government.

Salem Gazette , May 24, 1796.

Died. — At Topsfield, Miss Hannah
Moore, aged 22, daughter of Mr.
Thomas Moore.

Salem Gazette , May 24, 1796.

Died. At Topsfield, Mr. Stephen
Perkins. JEt 51.

Salem Gazette , Nov. 8, 1796.

Died. At Topsfield, much lament-
ed, Mr. David Kimball, aged 24, son
of Mr. Jacob Kimball, who has been
bereft of many children withiu a few
years.

Salem Gazette , Dec . 2, 1796.

In the list of letters at the Salem
Post office Jan. 1, 1797, was one for
Adam Ross of Topsfield.

Salem Gazette , Jan. 17, 1797.

In the list of letters at the Salem
Post office April 1 , 1 797, was one for
Doctor Jno. Merriam of Topsfield.

Salem Gazette , Apr. 7, 1797.

In the list of letters at the Salem
Post office July 1, 1797, were letters
for Amos Gould and Sylvanus
Wildes, Esq., both of Topsfield.

Salem Gazette , July 4, 1797.

Died. At Topsfield, Mrs. Priscilla
Smith, widow of Samuel Smith, Esq.,

19

deceased, 83 — a truly conscientious,
pious and exemplary woman.

Salem Gazette , July 7, 1797.

Died. At Topsfield, Sept. 8, very
suddenly, Mrs. Mary Averell, con-
sort of Mr. Elijah Averell, and
daughter to Maj. Joseph Gould aged
36. An afflicted husband, a young
family, aged parents, and a numerous
train of near connexions, demand
our sympathy, and call us to mourn
with them the unexpected removal of
a valuable friend, cut off in the
meridian of youth.

Salem Gazette , Sept. 15, 1797.

In list of Letters at the Salem Post
Office, Sept. 30, 1797, were letters
for

Charles Davis, Topsfield.

Rev. Asahel Huntington, do
Dr. John Merriam, do

Jonas Merriam, do

David Towne, do

Salem Gazette , Oct . 13, 1797.

STRAY COW.

Strayed from the Neck Pasture in ,
Marblehead, Oct. 16th, a small red
Cow, about 9 years old, has small
crooked horns, her head rather dark-
er than her body. Whoever has
taken up or may find said Cow, and
will return her or give notice thereof
to Mr. Moses Gould, at Topsfield,
or to the subscriber, shall be suita-
bly rewarded, and all necessary
charges paid by

Joseph Roundey.

Marblehead, Nov. 6.

Salem Gazette , Nov. 10, 1797.

All persons indebted to, or having
any demands against, the estate of
JOHN LAMSON.

late of New Boston, in the county of
Hillsborough, and state of Newhamp-
shire, tanner, deceased, are requested
to apply for settlement to the sub-
scriber, attorney to Ephraim Jones ,
executor to the last will and testa-
ment of said deceased.

Nathaniel Hammond.

Topsfield, Dec. 11, 1797.

Salem Gazette , Dec. 12, 1797.

Married. Jonathan Porter, of
Danvers, to Sally Boardman of Tops-
field.

Salem Gazette , Dec . 26, 1797.

In Salem Post Office list for Dec.
31, 1797, were advertised letters for
Rev. Daniel Breck (2), Topsfield.
Josiah Lamson, do

Salem Gazette , Jan. 5, 1798.

FOR THE SALEM GAZETTE.
Mr. Cushing,

The dog act gives general uneasi-
ness in this part of the county, not
only as being founded on principles
extremely unconstitutional, but also
as carrying on the very face of it a
degree of partiality to one part of
the community, equally injurious and
offensive to the other.

Had this act restricted itself to a
responsibility on the part of the
owner of a dog committing damage,
it would have been consonant to the
sound principles of jurisprudence.

But, sir, how happens it that the
District of Maine is exempted from
this oppressive tax on private prop -

20

erty ? If dogs are serviceable to the
District of Maine, are they not equal-
ly so to farmers in other parts of the
Commonwealth? Are there no other
parts of the Commonwealth thinly
inhabitated, and abounding in game,
but the District of Maine? Pray, sir,
inform me if the act would not go
down without exempting the District
of Maine from its operation.

To obviate the effects ot this hasty
act, it is proposed here to vote a
bounty of one dollar to every one
who may be liable and shall actually
pay a tax of one dollar for one dog.
And as the act very wisely vests the
money arising from this tax in the
disposition of the towns — a town may
doubtless appropriate it as it pleases ;
those, therefore, who pay a tax of
one dollar, will be reimbursed, and
the act restricted to its proper limits
— a responsibility for damages.

Yours, Z.

Topsfield , March 19. 1798.

P. S. The act ostensibly is to pre-
vent the ill consequences from canine
infection. Pray, sir, are not the
dogs in the District of Maine liable
to this infection? In short, those
who keep dogs as an article of luxury
can or will pay this tax for them.
The farmer, and others to whom
dogs are really useful, cannot possi-
bly afford to pay a tax so entirely
disproportionate to any tax ever
known to this country. It might
perhaps have been usefully provided
for in the act that young dogs should
be wormed. It is said to be the case
in England.

Salem Gazette , March 20, 1798.

Married. At Topsfield, Mr.

Natii’l Potter of Ipswich to Miss
Phebe Symonds.

Salem Gazette , April 16, 1798.

Letters at the Salem Post Office
March 31, 1798.

Israel Clarke, Topsfield
Asahel Huntington, do
Jos. Towne, do

Eben’r Towne, do

Salem Gazette, April 6, 1798.

To be Sold.

A FARM in Topsfield, consisting
of about 36 acres, mowing and tillage,
with a good orchard ; a good house
and barn thereon. Also a Wood Lot
in Box ford, of about 8 acres ; and 6
or 7 acres of Swamp in Wenham.

For terms apply to

Thomas Moore, on the premises.

Topsfield , July 6, 1798.

Salem Gazette , July 6, 1798.

Letters at the Salem Post office
June 30, 1798.

Rev. Asahel Huntington, Topsfield
Polly Killam, do

Doctor John Merriam, do

Salem Gazette , July 10, 1798.

By Order of Court.

At the Dwelling House of Mrs.
Olive Brown, in Boxford, on Wed-
nesday the 29th day of August, next
ensuing, at 1 o’clock, P. M., will be
sold,

So much of the Real Estate
of Samuel Brown, late of Boxford,
in the county of Essex, yeoman,
deceased, as will amount to the sum
of one thousand and seventeen dol-

21

lars. Said Estate is situated in Box-
ford and Topsfield and consists of
the Homestead, containing about 70
acres, about 10 acres of Meadow
near William Munnies, about 9 acres
of Pasture near Jesse Perley’s, and
a Wood Lot in Cedar Swamp contain-
ing about 8 acres. Conditions of
sale to be made known at the time
and place aforesaid.

Thomas Perley, Adm’r.

Boxford, July 13, 1898.

Salem Gazette , July 10, 1798

Died. At Topsfield, on Wednes-
day last, Mr. John Balch, aged 56.
At quarter past eleven o’clock in the
forenoon, he was suddenly seized
by a most violent spasmodic disorder,
and after enduring much pain, ex-
pired at three in the afternoon, hav-
ing been attended by an able
physician. He was, when seized, in
full health and strength, of which
he possessed an uncommon share,
being in stature 6 feet 4 inches. He
was noted for his probity, integrity
of heart, and exact punctuality in
all his engagements ; and he was
attended to the grave by the largest
concourse of friends and acquain-
tance ever before witnessed here.
He has left a worthy and afflicted
family to lament the loss of a most
kind and tender husband, parent,
brother and friend. A long and
painful disease is generally, and
seems naturally to have been, placed
between life and death, to the end,
perhaps, that death itself might be
viewed as a friend by those who die,
and by those left behind ; but under
such sudden and awful dispensations
of Divine Providence, how much

must the suddenness of the shock
add poignancy to the affliction ! But
the more awful the dispensations of
God are, the stronger sense shall we
be impressed with of our dependence
on him ; and the more able shall we
be to turn this sense to our moral
and spiritual advantage.

Salem Gazette , July 13, 1798.

Last Sunday afternoon, after ser-
vice, the Rev. Mr. Huntington, of
Topsfield, after a handsome introduc-
tory address to his people, read the
letter of General Washington, which
has excited so much pleasure through-
out the country, by declaring his
acceptance of the command of the
armies of the U. States.

Salem Gazette , Aug. 3, 1798.

Died. At Topsfield, Mr. Moses
Averell, aged 29 ; who, in the vari-
ous relations of life, exhibited an
amiable succession of the social and
Christian virtues.

Salem Gazette , Aug . 7, 1798.

By order of Court.

Will be sold at Public Vendue, on
Thursday, the 27th day of September
next, at 5 o’clock in the afternoon.

The Real hastate of Stephen Per-
kins, late of Topsfield, deceased ;
consisting of a Dwelling House and
Barn, and about two acres of Laud,
situated near the meeting-house.
Sale to be on the premises.

Robert Perkins, jun. Admr,
Topsfield, August 28, 1798.

Salem Gazette, Aug. 31, 1798.

Died. At Topsfield, Mr. John

22

Lefavour, aged 80.

Salem Gazette , Aug . 31, 1798.

Letters remaining at Salem
Post office Oct. 4, 1798.

Isaac Averill, Topsfield.

Rebecca Ingalls, “

Salem Gazette . Oct. 9, 1798.

Died. At Topsfield, Mrs. Pris-
cilla Averill, widow, 93, the oldest
person in that town.

Salem Gazette , May 28, 1799.

Recruiting Service.

Capt. John Pynchon, 15 th U. S.
Infantry , gave notice to all who
were inclined to enter the Infantry
of the United States of the opening
of a rendezvous at the house of Mr.
J. Kimball, Topsfield.

Salem Gazette , June 18, 1799.

50 DOLLARS REWARD.

Whereas some person or persons
on the night of the 11th inst nt, in-
fluenced by a malicious stinking spirit,
perpetrated a most shameful deed,
no less than conveying a large quan-
tity of human excrement into a
valuable well of water, near my
Dwelling House. Any person or
persons who will make discovery of

the f ng villain or villians who

committed or was concerned in the
above filthy transaction, so that he or
they may be convicted thereof, shall
receive the above reward.

Henry Bradstreet.

Topsfield, Oct. 29.

Salem Gazette , Oct. 29, 1799.

TEN DOLLARS REWARD.

Lost, on Monday evening { last at
or within a mile of Putnam’s Tavern
in Danvers, on the Haverhill road, a
black leathern Pocket Book, contain-
ing a number of Bank Bills, amount-
ing to upwards of 30 dollars and
several private Notes of Hand. Who-
ever has found the same, and will
deliver it with the contents to the
subscriber, shall be entitled to the
above reward.

John Balch.

N. B. All persons are cautioned
against purchasing the said notes of
hand.

Topsfield, Nov. 15.

Salem Gazette , Nov. 19, 1799.

Married. At Topsfield, Mr. Enos
Lake to Miss Anna Gould : Mr. Phil-
emon Foster, of Linebrook, to Miss
Nabby Hobbs.

Salem Gazette , Mar . 14, 1800.

Advertised letters at the Salem
Post office, Mar. 31, 1800.

Eleazer Lake Topsfield.

Hannah Masury
Ebenezer Town “

Salem Gazette , April 11, 1800.

Died. At Topsfield, on Monday
last, after a long, distressing sick-
ness, which she endured with patience
and resignation, Mrs. Elizabeth
Towne, wife of Mr. Jacob Towne,
aged 68.

Salem Impartial Register ,
May 19, 1800.

Died. At sea, Mr. Daniel Per-
kins , second mate of the Franklin,

23

from Batavia — he was a native of
Topsfield, and well known in his
faithful attendance at the bar of the
Sun Tavern for several years.

Salem Gazette , May 23, 1800.

Died. At Topsfield, Mrs. Ruth
Gree , widow, aged 70.

Salem Gazette , July 18, 1800.

Died. At Topsfield, after a long
illness, Mrs. Sarah Towne , widow
of the late Mr. Ephraim Towne,
aged 78.

Salem Gazette , Aug . 22, 1800.

Died. At Topsfield, Sept. 20th,
after a short illness, Isaac Aver ell ,
jun. A. M., aged 33 — Candidate for
the Gospel Ministry. He had re-
ceived a call for settlement from the
church and society in Brookfield,
south parish, and had given them an
affirmative answer. The 1st day of
October next was assigned for his
ordination. His numerous acquain-
tance will long remember him as a
man of friendship, sobriety and vir-
tue ; and by his death the people
whose choice united in him as their
servant in the Lord, are subjected to
a very afflictive disappointment.

“ O fallacom hominum spem fragil-
emque for tunam.”

Salem Gazette , Sept. 23, 1800.

We are desired to mention, as a
Candidate for the Fourth Middle
District,

Mr. SYLVANUS WILLES,
of Topsfield. This gentleman has
had the advantage of a liberal educa-
tion, has read law with the late Mr.

Pynchon, and been regularly intro-
duced to the practice thereof, but is
at present occupied in agriculture,
has for several years been a Repre-
sentative in the General Court, is a
man of good moral and political
principals, and possesses that intelli-
gence, firmness and integrity, which
are essential in the character of a
National Legislator. It is presumed
that he will unite the federal suffrag-
es of the District.

[We hope the Federalists of the
Fourth Middle District will agree on
one Candidate before they enter
warmly into the electioneering con-
test.]

Salem Gazette , Oct. 21, 1800.

Died. At Topsfield, Oct. 12,
Miss Catherine Willes , aged 84 —
Whose amiable and benevolent de-
portment through life secured her the
esteem and affection of her acquain-
tance, and entitled her to the honor-
able appellation of “a mother in
Israel,” though she had neither
husband nor children.

Salem Gazette , Oct. 24, 1800.

Lost on Sunday evening last,
between Topsfield Bridge and the
Sun Tavern in Salem, a round Sable
Tippet. Whoever has taken it up,
and will return it to the printer, shall
be handsomely rewarded.

Salem Gazette , Oct. 31, 1800.

Died. At Sturbridge, Mr. Eli
Towne , formerly of Topsfield, aged
69.

Salem Gazette , Nov. 21, 1800.

24

A Historical Sketch of the Methodist
Episcopal Church in Topsfield.

By Mrs. Clarissa Glazier.

In that part of Topsfield now
known as “The City” was the begin-
ning of Methodism in this town.
“The City” was then known as
“Hobbs’ City” from the fact that
there were so many families by the
name of Hobbs living there.

In May 1830, Charles Dodge and
Ezra Glazier, both of Ipswich, at the
earnest invitation of Sister Olive
Clarke kindly consented to come to
Topsfield and hold meetings in the
North School-house.

Charles Dodge was a brother of
Manning Dodge of Ipswich, and
Ezra Glazier was a native of New
Hampshire, a baker by trade. He
came to Ipswich and set up his
business there.

Mrs. Israel Clarke, more familiarly
known as “Aunt Olive,” was a native
of Topsfield, living on the road to
Ipswich at what is now known as
“Willowdale.” Her maiden name was
Redington. She was very eccentric in
her ways, tall and graceful in appear-
ance ; she usually wore a black silk
calash, calico dress and a black silk
handkerchief across her shoulders.
She became interested in Metho-
dism while visiting her sister in Lynn,
and as there was no Methodist church
in Topsfield she frequently rode to
Ipswich with her neighbor, Mr. Amos
Gould. Here she became acquainted
with Mr. Dodge and Mr. Glazier,
two earnest church workers.

By her invitation they came to

Topsfield and held a meeting in the
North School-house in May, 1830.
The building was then located in the
field lying in the corner of the Ips-
wich road and the Bonny’s Feather-
bed road, so-called being perhaps a
hundred feet from the corner.

We quote the words of Mr. Glazier :
“On, approaching the school-house
we saw a few standing outside the
house and remarked one to the other
that we supposed those were all the
people we would have to talk to on
that day. However we were very
much mistaken, for when we reached
the door we saw that the room was
well filled. After introducing our-
selves we opened the service by sing-
ing, this was followed by prayer,
then a portion of the scripture was
read, followed by earnest exhorta-
tion, then singing of revival hymns.”
Mr. Glazier was a fine singer, and
frequently started a hymn during the
service appropriate to what had been
said, which was taken up by the
congregation. One of Mr. Glazier’s
favorites was, “The judgment day
is rolling round.” Near the close of
the service, as a great interest was
manifest, Mr. Glazier asked all those
who wished to seek the Lord to rise.
A young lady quietly arose and
asked to be prayed for. At the end
of the service a vote was taken to
see how many were in favor of their
coming the following Sunday. Every
hand was raised. When the next

Sabbath came around a still larger
number gathered in the school-house.
Three meetings were held on that
day. At the close of the third meet-
ing a similar invitation was given as
on the previous Sunday. In response
to this invitation eleven arose and
while standing the young lady who
had asked to be prayed for on the
previous Sunday arose and expressed
the joys of her own salvation. At
the close of the meeting held on the
third Sabbath five more manifested a
desire to follow Christ. On the
following Sunday the school-house,
which would seat about sixty per-
sons, was so crowded that the breth-
ren could hardly find standing room
in which to address the people, of
whom many were standing outside.
Before separating that day some of
those present said they would try to
get permission to hold the meetings
in Capt. John Adams’ barn, which
was large and commodious. This
barn is now owned by Barney Mulli-
gan. Permission was soon obtained
and accordingly the barn was clear-
ed and seats of rough boards provid-
ed for all who might come, and all
agreed that it was a delightful place.
As Mr. Glazier himself has said :
tkThe swallows were feeding their
young up in the top and singing to
them, and down on the floor God
was converting souls. How beauti-
ful the thought that our dear Savior
was born in a barn, and that He
condescends to make this a place for
redeemed souls.”

Deacon Adams, grandfather of
Mrs. Susan Perkins, and father of
Mr. John Adams, who owned the
barn where the meetings were held,
had been a deacon of the Tabernacle

Church in Salem for twenty-five years
and was an earnest exhorter, proving
of great help in the meetings. Rev.
Jacob Sanborn of Ipswich came and
preached occasionally during that
summer. In haying time, as the
barn was needed, they were compelled
to returned to the school-house.
A class meeting was organized and
regular meetings held. The converts
were put on six months’ probation
before uniting with the church as
was customary. In August thirteen
were baptized in the Ipswich river
back of Captain Adams’ barn.
Joshua Wildes, Israel Wildes, Steph-
en Bartlett, David Hood, Phoebe
Hood, Captain Israel Elliott, Mary
Elliott, Mary Blaisdell, Celinda Aver-
ill and Clarissa Wildes were led into
the water and immersed by Rev. Jacob
Sanborn and three others were
sprinkled while kneeling on the bank :
Elizabeth Rust, Sally Adams and
William Cummings. A large num-
ber of people gathered to witness the
ceremony. The services consisted
of singing, reading of scripture and
prayer. The baptismal robes of the
Ipswich Church were borrowed for the
occasion. These were of a slate
color with lead in the bottom of the
skirt to prevent it floating on the
surface of the water.

In September a young man, William
Nanscawen, was appointed to this
charge by the presiding elder. He
remained only a few weeks and was
followed by Rev. Isaac U. Swiner-
ton, who remained until the follow-
ing session of the Conference.

On Oct. 20, 1830 the society was
organized into a Methodist Episcopal
Church, called a branch of the Ipswich
church, and had fifteen members.

Mrthodist Church in 1840.

27

At the session of the New
England Conference held in May,
1831, Rev. R. D. Easterbrook was
appointed to this charge. He ad-
vocated the immediate erection of a
church building and the members
and friends entered heartily upon
the work. Mr. Timothy Monroe of
Lynn was engaged to build the
house. He prepared the lumber
and had it brought to Topsfield all
ready to be put together. Land
was given by Mr. Aaron Kneeland
on the Newburyport turnpike. The
frame of the building was raised
Oct. 19, 1831 without the use of
ardent spirits, which is very signif-
icant from the fact that at that time
it was customary for the builders
to be “strengthened” in their work
by ardent spirits.

The building was forty feet square
in size, having a plain pitch roof
with chimney in the rear end.
There were two doors at the front
end opening directly into the audi-
ence room and located between
them, high against the wall, was
the pulpit built in the form of a
semi-circle. At the rear were three
raised pews or slips used by the
singers. Two stoves, on either side
and in front of the pulpit, were
used to heat the room.

It was customary with the Metho-
dist churches to hold in the Fall
what was called “Four Day’s meet-
ing.” In September the presiding elder
appointed a camp-meeting here as
there was, as yet, no church. Ac-
cordingly a maple grove belonging
to Mr. John P. Peabody, on the
old Ipswich road, was hired for four
days for forty dollars. The under-
brush was cleared away and large

trees felled for seats. A preacher’s
stand was erected and the different
societies set up their tents about it
in a circle. Societies came from
Boston, Salem, Lynn, Newburyport
and from many small towns in the
district. They brought their tents,
cooking utensils and other similar
necessaries in large baggage wagons.
The meetings were conducted by
presiding elder Lambert, assisted
by the ministers in the district.
Father Merrill and Father Taylor
were two of the most important.

During the meetings one of the
sisters went into a trance and ap-
peared dead. Some wished to give
her restoratives but others said,
“No, she will come out of it all
right and tell us what she has seen,”
and it so happened that she came
out shouting “Glory to God.”

A feature of the meetings was
the enthusiastic singing of the con-
gregation ; also the great interest
in the ministers words shown by
hearty responses of “Amen !” and
“Glory to God !”

The meetings went on gloriously
for four days and many persons
were converted. They were largely
attended by visitors from all the
adjoining towns, for an open air
meeting had never before been held
in this vicinity. Notwithstanding
the great success of the meetings
it was a number of years before
another “camp meeting” was held
and then at Asbury Grove, Ham-
ilton.

Having referred to the camp-
meeting the dedication of the church
is the next incident of note, it oc-
curring Dec. 28, 1831. The dedi-
catory sermon was preached by Rev.

28

Enoch Mudge of Lynn, using for
his text II Chron.6: 18: “But will
God in very deed dwell with men
on the earth? Behold, heaven and
the heaven of heavens cannot con-
tain thee ; how much less this house
which I have built!” Scriptures
were read and prayer offered by
Rev. Jesse Fillmore of Salem. The
house was crowded with an attentive
audience. The interest manifested
during the following year was good.

Rev. R, D. Easterbrook remained
here one year. He was followed by
Thomas Stetson, who removed from
his appointment in June 1832. The
only information which can be gain-
t ed of his pastorate is the following
brief notice in Zion’s Herald : —
“Our Zion here when seen by mortal
eye appears quite feeble, and we
are often ready to cry out with the
prophet kBy whom shall Jacob arise?
for he is small.’ But when with an
eye of faith we view the Lord as
he is seen in all his works, a far
more pleasant prospect opens be-
fore us. We have been cheered
of late with some tokens of the
Divine Presence in our meetings.
Much more union prevails in the
church, and a number of souls are
enquiring the way to Zion. To
God alone be all the glory.”

At the session of Conference in
1833, Rev. David Culver was ap-
pointed to this charge.

Mr. Culver was the first married
minister who was sent here by the
Conference. They lived in the house
where Miss Hattie Porter now lives,
then owned by Mr. Jacob Towne,
occupying two rooms, one on the
lower floor, the other upstairs and at
the opposite side of the house. The

rent was twenty dollars a year. A sin-
gular contrast to the accommodations
now given our modern clergymen.

Mrs. Culver had a visage marked
with intelligence. She wore a white
satin cap crown bonnet, a drab-color-
ed dress, a plain white shawl over
her shoulders and always appeared
singularly neat and plain. She was
upright, graceful and remarkably
active, and possessed a fund of anec-
dote that made her company agree-
able as well as instructive. Zion’s
Herald of July 24, 1833 says the
following of Mr. Culver’s pastorate:
“There is a general quickening in
the church, and many appear to feel
an unusual hungering and thirsting
after righteousness and manifest that
it is the longing desire of their souls
to be filled with perfect love. There
is also an increasing attention in the
congregation to the preaching of the
Word.”

Mr. Culver remained one year and
was followed by Rev. Benj. King, a
licensed preacher from Lynn, who
supplied a few weeks, when he asked
to be removed. Mr. King was paid
his expenses to and from Lynn but
received nothing for his services as
preacher. Rev. Charles S. McRead-
ing of Boston supplied until Novem-
ber. Previous to coming to Topstield
he was stationed in Salem, where,
finding his people proud and arrogant,
he preached them a sermon from the
text found in Ecc. 10; 1: “Dead
flies cause the ointment of the apoth-
ecary to send forth a stinking savour ;
so doth a little folly him that is in
reputation for wisdom and honour.”
The people resented it and he left at
his own request. There being a
vacancy at this church he came here.

29

His family consisted of a wife and
one child. They occupied the same
rooms as Mr. Culver. The society
furnished their housekeeping goods,
they being the first who were supplied
with furniture by the society, and
regularly received their Sunday morn-
ing breakfast of baked beans and
brown bread hot from the brick oven
of Mrs. Eunice Wildes.

In November, Rev. Henry Skinner
was sent here by the presiding elder ;
he remained until July, 1835. During
his pastorate many were converted.
At this time the number of church
members including probationers was
twenty-three with a Sabbath school
of between thirty and forty scholars.
The society was then without a pas-
tor till Jan. 1836 when the presiding
elder appointed Rev. John E. Risley
who remained till April. He was
followed by Rev. S. E. Pike who
remained till December. From De-
cember to July Rev. G. T. Poole a
Lynn preacher supplied so accepta-
bly that he was stationed here by the
Conference for the following year.
During his ministry eleven persons
joined the church. In July 1838
Rev. G. W. Bates, brother to Lewis
Bates, D. D., of Boston, was appoint-
ed here. He was a young man of
pleasing address, full of faith in
God and generally beloved by all
the people. During the first part of
his ministry he decided to have a
“Four Day’s Revival Meeting,” begin-
ning Sept. 26th. Such an interest
was manifested that the meetings
were continued until mid-winter.
About one hundred souls were con-
verted, of whom twenty-six united
with the church, others joining the
Congregationalists here, at Linebrook

and at Hamilton. The following is
from Zion’s Herald of Nov. 1838 :
“ God is reviving his work in a most
glorious manner in this place. Our
church has been rising in spirituality ;
our meetings have been increasing
in interest, and there have been
awakenings and conversions among
us for months past. Within a few
days fifty persons have been brought
from darkness to light and from the
powers of satan unto God. The
aged, the middle-aged and the young
have been converted ; but the greater
number are young persons and a
large proportion young men, promis-
ing much usefulness to the Church.
Twenty joined us on trial last Sun-
day, and others are ready to do the
same. Our church has been small
from the beginning, numbering only
thirty-four members last June. A
few individuals have borne the bur-
dens here for years. God is now
adding to them grace and numbers.
Of some large families in which there
were no professors almost every
member is converted to God. We
hope this work will not cease until
all are brought to the knowledge of
the Truth. Our meetings continue
very interesting. Praise is due our
singers who are punctual in their
attendance and perform their part of
divine worship with spirit and with a
good understanding. We feel very
grateful also for the timely and
faithful labors of Bros. Israel Wash-
burn and George Knight, but all
the glory belongs to God ; for we
were never more convinced that a
work was His.”

At the close of Mr. Bates’ ministry
July 1839, Rev. Chester Field was
stationed here. During his pastorate,

30

as the congregation had come to be
composed mainly of people from the
village, it was decided to move the
church to that part of the town.
Accordingly it was started Jan. 9,
1840, Mr. Pearl Tapley of Tapley-
ville moving the building with fifty
yoke of oxen. It followed this route ;
through Mr. Aaron Kneeland’s field,
across the road over Mr. Simonds,
plain now owned by Mr. Henderson,
across the field between Boardman’s
and Simonds’ over the meadow back
of Mr. Batchelder’s house, now own-
ed by Mr. Cram, and through the
field into the main road, then back
of the houses of Abram Welch and
Gilbert Balch. While it was going
across the meadow back of Abram
Welch’s house the cable broke three
times so that it was likely to have to
stay there and some very uncharitable
thoughts were expressed by some,
that it was in a good place and they
hoped it would have to stay there.

However it got along all right and
was placed on land west of Main
street near what is now the house of
John B. Lake. The use of this land
was donated by Mr. Richard Phillips.
After moving the church it was repair-
ed and painted for the first time at a
cost of about two hundred dollars.

Rev. Mr. Field remaining here one
year was followed by Rev. L. B.
Griffin who held special revival ser-
vices, as a result of which twenty-five
persons joined the church on trial
while fifty more were reported as
attending class meetings.

In July, 1841, Rev. Amos Walton
was appointed to this charge. He
lived in the house now occupied by
E. Otis Gould. During his ministry
several persons united with the

church and the Sunday school was
in a flourishing condition. The next
minister was Rev. H. C. Dunham,
who was followed by Rev. I. J. P.
Collyer. He remained two years,
being the first minister to remain
that length of time. He lived in the
stone house at the top of Pingree’s
hill, which was torn down a few
years ago, attending meetings twice
a week at “ The City,” during his
first year. He carried on revival
services in the churches. As he
entered the door and while taking off
his overcoat he would commence to
sing his favorite hymn, “Jerusalem,
my happy home, name ever dear to
me.” During his second year he
lived in Mr. Billy Emerson’s house,
now owned by Mr. Humphrey Balch.
His successor, Rev. Moses Webster,
was transferred from the Maine Con-
ference and stationed here in May,
1845. A very pleasant year was
passed by pastor and people. He
was followed by Rev. John Paulson,
who remained one year. His suc-
cessor was Rev. Wm. R. Stone, who
remained two years.

In May, 1849, Rev. Kinsman At-
kinson was appointed to this field of
labor, and entered upon his pastorate
with a determination to build a par-
sonage. He bought land of Mr.
Thomas Lane and commenced to
erect a building at his own expense.
Soon the trustees assumed the task
but the work went on so slowly that
the building was not completed until
the close of Mr. Atkinson’s second
year. Like Moses of old he could
look into but could not enter the
promised home. Mr. Atkinson was
born in Maine and was one of twelve
children. He was graduated from

31

Harvard College in 1834 and for five
years preached from Congregational
pulpits, but in 1843 he changed his
views of church government and
joined the M. E. church. While
stationed in town he hired the Tops-
field Academy building and taught
one term of eleven weeks. During
his pastorate he also taught a winter
term of school at Linebrook parish
and at the East school in Topsfield.

Rev. John G. Carey, who was ap-
pointed here in April 1851, was the
first minister to occupy the parsonage.
He remained two years and took
some steps toward erecting a more
commodious church building. A
building committee was appointed
consisting of Andrew Gould, William
Ray and Alfred Towne. The site
selected was that upon which the
church now stands. The land was
bought of Mr. Humphrey Balch for
four hundred dollars and the build-
ing now used was commenced. The
architect was H. Graves of Boston,
who being a Methodist gave his
services. The carpenters were :
Samuel Clark, Daniel Willey, Isaiah
M. Small, Cyrus Peabody, William
Welch, Jacob Foster and John H.
Potter. The painters were : A.

Harnden of Georgetown and James
Henderson. Rev. Mr. Carey remain-
ed two years and was followed by
Rev. A. F. Bailey who remained one
year during which time the work of
building continued.

In May 1854, Rev. J. W. Bemis,
transferred from the Vermont Con-
ference, was stationed here.

The church structure being com-
pleted was dedicated June 14, 1854.
Through Mr. Andrew Gould’s
efforts the bell had been procured

and placed in position. Mr. Will-
liam Ray donated the pulpit. Mr.
John Cary gave the Bible and
hymn book, Mr. Stephen Bartlett
gave the communion service. The
Ladies’ Society furnished the house.

On the morning of the dedication
the presiding elder, Rev. L. Crowell,
preached the sermon. Rev. Mr.
Collyer preached in the afternoon.

Mention has been made of the
gift of a pulpit. In this connec-
tion it is interesting to note that the
pulpit in the old building was given
to Mr. Stephen Bartlett and in
time came into the possession of
James Manning, who gave it to Hon.
George B. Loring of Salem.

The old church building was sold
to Isaiah M. Small, who built it
over into a barn at his house long
known as “ High Rock Cottage,”
from the fact it is modeled after
singer John W. Hutchinson’s house
at High Rock, Lynn. It is stand-
ing today, the double window in
one end having occupied the place
of honor behind the pulpit in the
old days.

When the present church was
built, there was no public hall in
town of more than very moderate
seating capacity, so the lower story
of the building was fitted up for
use as a public hall in connection
with church uses. A platform was
built and here for many years the
annual town meeting was held and
public gatherings of whatever
nature. The outbreak of the Civil
War saw many stirring meetings
and when the project of erecting
a Town Hall was canvassed, one
town meeting was adjourned from
Union Hall, as it has ever been

32

known, to the wide expanse of the
“ common,” until the constables
could line up the “yeas” and “nays”
and duly count the same.

Rev. Mr. Bemis remained till
September. Mr. Huyler, a local
preacher, supplied till the next
Conference. His successor, Rev.
John Smith, remained one year. In
April, 1856, Rev. Franklin Furber
was stationed here, who said of his
pastorate, “ It was remarkable only
for accomplishing nothing.” His
successor, Abraham Osgood, held
revival services. Thirty were con-
verted.

The next minister, Rev. George
Sutherland, gathered the fruits of
liis predecessor’s revival. Soon
after his arrival he learned that a
heavy debt of three thousand and
three hundred dollars was resting
upon the church. Having con-
sulted with the trustees and found
them favorable to any plan for can-
celling the same, he raised suffi-
cient money by subscription and
church aid to cancel the debt. The
church should ever hold him in
grateful remembrance for this
noble service.

The Sunday when Mr. Suther-
land preached his last sermon was
long remembered in town. At its
close he publicly announced that
the services of the choir would be no
longer needed.

This was a dismissal of Samuel
S. McKenzie, who had served as
chorister for many years.

In the old church he had intro-
duced the use of instruments in
connection with the singing and
his brass clarinet, the product of
his ingenuity, shrill in tone and

ever the object of much interest,
now rests on exhibition in the
rooms of the Essex Institute at
Salem. Other players were John
Peabody on the clarinet, Benj. F.
Adams on the bass viol, and some-
times Frederick Stiles who was
very proficient on the double bass.

In April, 1860, Rev. J. W. Lewis
was appointed to this charge, pass-
ing a quiet year, nis successor,
Rev. A. D. Merrill, more familiarly
known as “ Father Merrill,” was
thought much of by the people. He
tried to improve the parsonage
grounds by planting trees and vines
and raised sixty dollars’ worth of
strawberries on the parsonage land.

Rev. E. S. Snow, who was sent
here next, was very well liked by
the people. His successor, Rev. F.
G. Morris, was a very talented
preacher and remained two years.
In April when Mr. Lincoln was
shot, services were held in the
churches all over the country. Mr.
Morris preached the funeral sermon
in this town.

In 1866, Rev. George Chapman
was stationed here. At the last
quarterly conference of the year it
was voted to ask the Bishop to
leave Topsfield “ to be supplied.”
The vote was passed because the
brethren thought it would be im-
possible to pay a minister enough to
support him. During the session
of the Annual Conference, however,
the people changed their minds and
wrote the bishop to try them one
year more. Accordingly Rev. Wm.
Bridges was sent here. In his
words, “ The budding and the blos-
soming was unpropitious but the
fruit was good.” During the first

33

half of his first year the average
attendance at midweek meetings
was five, but in the winter revival
services were held, continuing for
several months. In these meetings,
which were held for one hundred
successive evenings, Mr. Bridges
was assisted by Mrs. Holway, his
wife’s mother, also by his own
mother, both very talented women.
Eighty-five persons joined the
church on probation.

Near the close of his first year an
organ of English make, costing
niue hundred dollars, was purchased,
and the pastor’s salary raised to
one thousand dollars. His succes-
sor, Rev. C. E. Chase, remained
one j’ear. During that time the
church was painted at a cost of
four hundred and fifty dollars.

The next minister, Rev. J. F.
Mears, was liked by every one. On
August 3, 1870, it was decided to
have a Sunday school picnic at a
large grove at Groveland. About
one hundred of the school attended
and one hundred outsiders. The
time was well enjoyed in sailing,
singing, playing and swinging.
About forty-four dollars were col-
lected to defray the expenses of
the children. The expenses were
twenty-nine dollars and forty cents,
leaving the balance of fourteen
dollars and seventy-five cents, which
the school voted to give toward
erecting a new tent at Hamilton
camp-ground. This, among other
excursions and picnics, was largely
due to the effort of Mr. C. J. P.
Floyd. During Mr. Mears’ pastor-
ate one hundred and fifty dollars’
worth of books were added to the
Sunday school library, and new

furnaces costing three hundred
dollars put into the church.

In 1872 Rev. S. A. Fuller re-
ceived his appointment. His suc-
cessor, Rev. G. W. Buzzell, worked
hard amidst much discouragement.
Some repairs, amounting to one
hundred dollars, were made on the
church. In April, 1875, Rev. W.
H. Meredith was sent here. Be-
ginning with a watch night service,
near the close of his second year,
he held special services every night,
either in the church or in the dis-
trict school house, until April. Quite
a number of persons were converted,
twenty-nine joining the church on
probation. Rev. S. L. Rodgers
succeeded him. He was followed
by Rev. George H. Clarke. His
pastorate is best described in his
own words : “ Upon coming to

the place and learning that the
spiritual thermometer was near
freezing point, and the estimate for
minister’s salary of the previous
year was only one-half paid, I
was well nigh discouraged. But
the promises of God were my
support. From the beginning of
my labors here until now I have
worked as hard as my strength
would allow, and have been
permitted, by the blessing of God,
to accomplish a few things, but if
in this life only we were to look
for our reward, and if, while in
one short itinerant resting place,
we are to look for all the results
of our labor in that place, I should
feel sad at the little accomplished.
The thought, however, that some
seed may yet spring up and yield
an abundant harvest, so that ‘ in the
harvest both he that soweth and

Methodist Church in 1897.

35

he that reapeth may rejoice together’
gives me some joy.”

The 14th of June, the 25th
anniversary of the dedication of
the church was celebrated. Early
in Mr. Clarke’s second year some
repairs were begun upon the church.
The vestry was painted and kalso-
mined, a new platform erected, the
halls painted and the organ moved
from the gallery, to the right of the
pulpit.

Beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 19
the semi-centennial of the church
was celebrated, the services lasting
one week. On Tuesday there was
a grand concert of vocal and instru-
mental music, and reopening of
the church. On Wednesday, semi-
centennial day, several former
pastors and members were present,
also the presiding elder, L. Crowell,
D. D. In the afternoon an excel-
lent address was delivered by Dr.
Crowell, prayer offered by Rev.
Wm. Bridges and excellent music
rendered by a select choir. A col-
lation was served at five o’clock.
In the evening brief speeches were
made by former pastors and a social
reunion enjoyed by the large
number who had assembled at this
time. A four days’ meeting follow-
ed the anniversary. Rev. W. F.
Mallalieu, D. D., of Chelsea, Rev.
Geo. Whitaker of Cambridge, Rev.
A. W. Baird of Groveland and Rev.
S. F. Chase of Salem assisted in
the afternoon and evening. Twelve
persons were converted.

In February all debts to the
amount of three hundred and twenty
dollars were cancelled.

Mr. Clarke was returned for the
third year.

Beginning on Dec. 14, 1881, an
eight page paper, “ The Topsfield
Herald,” was published on alternate
Fridays until April 7th. One
hundred and five dollars were realized
from its sale.

On laying down the editorial
quill Mr. Clark wrote as follows : —
The time has come when, in accord-
ance with the itinerant system of
the Methodist Episcopal church,
we move from this to some other
field of labor. Our three years’
stay in Topsfield has been exceed-
ingly pleasant and we shall carry
with us cheerful recollection of this
delightful town, “ beautiful for
situation,” and charming for a
temporary country residence. The
many kindnesses of the people,
and tokens of esteem received from
them, will not soon be forgotten.

In April, 1882, Rev. A. C. Manson
was appointed. Although he was
very conscientious and did his best,
he did not meet with very great
success

In April 1883, Rev. N. H. Martin
was stationed here. During his
ministry there was great depression
in business causing many families to
move out of town. He was follow-
ed by Rev. James S. Docking.

In 1887, Rev. C. H. Curnick was
appointed, remaining two years.
In Jan. 1888, he had a three weeks’
revival meeting at which thirty
were converted. During this year
the church was painted on the in-
side, new shutters put in and the
steeple was cut down and remodelled
at a cost of six hundred dollars.

Rev. Theodore Haven followed
him, staying for one year.

In April, 1890, Rev. Charles Fuller

36

was stationed here. He was be-
loved by all and remained two
years. Rev. Samuel Reid succeed-
ed him, remaining one and one-half
years.

From that time to the year 1896,
the pulpit was supplied by students
from the Theological School. Rev.
Joseph Simpson was the first.
While here he raised nearly two hun-
dred dollars by church aid to repair
the interior of the church.

The next student was Rev. John
Reeder. He raised quite a sum of
money for missionary purposes.

His successor was Rev. John B.
Gough who was very quiet and re-
tiring. The present pastor, Rev.
I. Murray Mellish, is now entering
upon his second year. Several
new members have been added
during his pastorate and the church
still stands free from debt.

The Life and Work; of Rev. Anson
McLoud.

By Miss Helen E. Peabody.

One scarcely realizes the meaning
of biography till he begins to study
and write the history of a life. Be
that life long or short, complete or
defective, fertile or barren, there is a
sacredness about the individuality
that makes one pause as he approach-
es the theme. The story of a life
that originated with the infinite,
possessing possibilities beyond hu-
man power to measure, and which
only eternity can unfold, is not a
subject to be carelessly or thought-
lessly treated.

The man whose life work we are
about to consider was a typical New
Englander of the old school, who
served his generation before the days
of Smyth and the Second Probation,
and who would have had little sym-
pathy with the “New Departures”
or “Higher Criticisms” had he been
in active service today. He would
have been slow to accept and teach
the later theology, not for lack of a
progressive spirit, for his mind was
ever on the alert to gain the newest
element of advance, but because of
his eagerness to hold against any
innovation the great essentials of the
spiritual life, and could not accept
anything that savored of unsound-
ness.

Though Rev. Anson McLoud was
a representative New Englander in
many of his strong points of charac-
ter, he possessed some qualities of
mind and heart that are rare in any
period or clime. He was mortal and

finite, with the weaknesses of our
common brotherhood, yet he seemed
to stand on a higher plane and breath
a purer atmosphere than most of his
cotemporaries. There was a some-
thing in his bearing that at once
arrested the attention and command-
ed the respect of every one with
whom he came in contact.

His life on earth began June 22d,
1813, in the town of East Hartland,
Connecticut. Like many another
“who has left his foot prints on the
sands of time,” he was reared on a
farm, which in many ways was of
decided advantage, laying for him
the basis of a strong superstructure.
It was his good fortune to be the son
of parents who did not think it
beneath their dignity to plow and
reap and gather into barns. Not
only many of our poets, who like
Bryant could sing, “To him, who in
the love of nature holds communion
with her visible forms, she speaks a
various language,” but many of our
greatest statesmen, scholars and
divines spent their earliest years
where unrestrained they could revel
in Nature’s wonderland, and drink
of many a fountain denied the city
bred youth. The schools give much,
books give more, but the free, every
day acquaintance with nature’s
glories is needed in life’s great
lessons for the best moral and physi-
cal development. The farm life of
Mr. McLoud taught him to sympa-
thize with those to whom he minis-

38

tered during a long pastorate, to
enter into their labors, limitations,
and trials, and share in the affairs of
a rural neighborhood, as no other
training could have done. That his
trapeze was the hay loft, his dumb
bells the scythe, his Swedish Move-
ment the rake and pitchfork, account-
ed largely for the strong, vigorous,
physical health it was his privilege
to enjoy till his service as pastor was
completed. Mr. Me Loud never
owned a horse, and his visits to a
scattered community were always
made on foot. He learned the near-
er and more convenient ways over
pasture and field, brook and meadow,
and did not hesitate to remove stock-
ings and shoes in order to ford a
stream. He invariably walked to
Boxford, Georgetown, Wenham and
Danvers when making exchanges,
and was ready for another tramp
when Monday morning came. No
summer or winter vacations relieved
the strain of this long and important
pastorate, and when once invited to
aecompany a party of friends as
guest, on the opening of the Balti-
more and Ohio R. R., he declined to
leave his charge even for a short
time when there seemed signs of a
spiritual awakening.

Mr. McLoud’s early opportunities
for gaining an education were limit-
ed, which no doubt in some degree
accounted for his so eagerly seizing
and prizing them when later present-
ed, and also for his great desire to
see all the young, who came under
his influence, appreciate the value
of an education. He never advo-
cated a superficial, one-sided, half-
finished development, but a symmet-
rical, all-round, mental, moral,

physical and spiritual education that
would fit one for time and eternity.

At thirteen he entered a select
school, where his mind began that
unfolding which continued through
his whole life, for he was a man who
never ceased to grow. It was in
this school that he received an in-
spiration to teach, which he subse-
quently did with acceptance for sev-
eral years, indeed it might truthfully
be said that he always taught, for he
ever aimed to teach his people from
the pulpit. During the years he
directed the youthful mind in Con-
necticut, he boarded around, and
often would he regale his intimate
friends in after years with recitals of
the varied and frequent ludicrous
experiences of this eventful period of
his life.

The college career of Mr. McLoud
was spent at Yale, and his theologi-
cal course was divided between Union
and Andover. In 1841, when about
to graduate from the latter institu-
tion, he made an agreement to preach
in Candia, N. H. Mr. Blackmer, a
fellow student, had promised to
occupy the Topsfield pulpit on the
same date, but for some reason felt
disinclined to keep his engagement,
and asked Mr. McLoud as a favor to
go to Topsfield, which he did, Mr.
Blackmer occupying the Candia pul-
pit Thus was he introduced to our
fathers, which proved to be the be-
ginning of his long and only pastor-
ate. The people heard him, were
pleased, and called him to a ministry
of twenty-seven years, closing in
1869. This was a time when pastor-
al engagements were not ephemeral,
and although several times this lead-
er could have gone to other fields

39

with increased salary, he felt he had
a mission in Topsfield, and a message
to Topsfield, and would not allow
his conscience to be bruised by leav-
ing. He believed he was called, and
called to stay, and no temptation
could swerve him from his purpose
to do the specific work that he
thought had been assigned him.

In the year of his settlement he
married Miss Jane Cornish, who
proved not only a companion, but a
true helpmate in all his private and
professional career. Gifted, like
himself, with strong, scholarly in-
stincts and religious convictions, she
stood ready to aid him in any work
for the benefit of the parish, and not
only hand in hand, but heart with
heart they trod the roadway of life,
each an inspiration to the other, till
1883, when the beloved husband
passed beyond the gates. Four chil-
dren blessed this happy union, Willie,
who went early to the home of rest,
Helen, a mother of mature years,
who has recently joined her father,
and Malcolm and Norman, who still
survive him.

From 1841-1869 was a well de-
fined and marked period in the histo-
ry of the Topsfield church, and Tops-
field town as well, for whatever con-
tributes to the welfare of the church
is valuable to the town, as one
cannot be a good churchman and
a poor citizen. Religion and politics
each have a distinct place in our
life, but they are not so far divorced
that they act in opposite directions.
The Congregational church of Mr.
McLoud’s early ministry was com-
posed of many strong families ; of
men and women of unusual fibre for
a country town. Of more than ordi-

nary intelligence, character and men-
tal ability, they were people who
could think and act for themselves,
and who would be led by, nor minis-
tered to, by no man, who did not
combine these qualities in a marked
degree, and did not possess a strong
personality.

The Historical Society does well to
pause amid its researches to consider
the character and influence of such
families as the Huntingtons, Cleve-
lands and Todds, the Peabodys,
Balches and Adamses, the Perkinses,
Wildeses and Townes, whose names
are a benediction; and to whom the
present generation owes a debt it
never can discharge. They were a
tower of strength to the pastor, a
power in the town, and the commu-
nity today are enjoying the result of
their force. They believed in the
church and prayer meeting and sup-
ported them by their presence, pock-
ets, and words ; they had faith in
the Town Meeting and the 4th of
March found them discharging their
obligations in civil affairs, as the
Wednesday evening and Sunday
witnessed to their zeal in spiritual
matters. Each one seems appointed
to a specific place and work, one
sowing, another reaping, and as we
glance over this period of history it
appears clear that it was the sphere
of Mr. McLoud to bring to glad
fruition the labors of his predeces-
sors. The great religious interest of
1832 and 1833, resulted in 111 addi-
tions to the church, and the awaken-
ing of 1840, the year preceding Mr.
McLoud’s coming, brought 41 more
into membership, so that when in
1841 Mr. McLoud assumed the
charge, the church was approaching

40

its maximum number, though it
slowly but constantly received addi-
tions for many years. Those years
of marvelous religious interest would
naturally be followed by a time of
seeming retrograde, but if the ingath-
ering was comparatively small, they
mnst not be considered years of
stagnation. It was a period of
growth, education and harmonious
development of the church, and
when it learned that to live, meant
to go outside of itself.

It has already been said that this
pastor was a true teacher, and it was
this characteristic that reacted upon
his parish. He instructed by con-
stantly being an object lesson, be-
cause he was a student, and identi-
fied himself so closely with his peo-
ple that he was able to direct their
thoughts in the channels of his own
thinking. He loved books, and as
the years sped on, his attachment
for them grew stronger and strong-
er, till he cherished the best as well
known and well tried friends. To
his little daughter, who was once
treating a book harshly, he said,
“Those who love books never hurt
them.” His knowledge of literature
was phenomenal for a country pastor
of those days, and the fact that he
accumulated a private library of
over fifteen hundred volumes, on a
salary of never more than eight
hundred dollars, shows he made
many sacrifices to gratify his literary
taste. He had the faculty of grasp-
ing an author’s meaning without
seeming effort, and easily assimilated
the thoughts presented. To follow
an author from step to step, to catch
the thoughts and retain them, so that
at the close of a book one can form a

symmetrical whole, is the mark of a
well trained mind. No superficial,
ordinary reader can do this. Says
the Rev. Geo. L. Gleason when
speaking on this subject: “In my
visits to Topsfield during my theolog-
ical course, it was always my custom
and delight to spend one evening in
the study of Mr. McLoud, examining
and discussing the latest literary
works, and the stimulus and guidance
he afforded me were of inestimable
value.”

His pulpit style was didactic, force-
ful, rapid, concise, emphatic and
clear. No one could fail to under-
stand his meaning or misconstrue his
intentions, for he was frank and sin-
cere, and when his duty was clear,
was fearless in rebuking a wrong.
His gestures were few, but telling,
and always left an impression of
reserve force and unspent energy.
His best efforts are universally con-
ceded to have been done for special
occasions. On Thanksgivings and
Fasts he rose to the occasion, and
his people expected and received a
treat. It is to be regretted that his
extreme modesty never permitted the
publication of any of these discourses
save one, that is now the property of
this society. At the earnest solicita-
tion of the leading spirits of the church
the Thanksgiving sermon of 1852 was
published and given free circulation
in the town. It is a strong but calm
review of the political situation, upon
the text “The lines are fallen unto me
in pleasant places, yea, I have a good-
ly heritage.” Though written for the
exciting days attending the advent
of the administration of Pres. Pierce,
the principles he lays down and the
comments he gives are as applicable

41

now as then, and would make de-
lightful and instructive reading for
an evening gathering. It was his
habit to prepare series of sermons on
special subjects, which drew large
audiences of people from this and
adjoining towns. One of these hold-
ing a firm place in the memory was a
series of expository sermons on sev-
eral books of the Bible. They were
productions, had they been put in
permanent form, that would have
been to Scripture students of great
value. Another series which were
very popular, and drew people from
so long a distance as Salem to hear
them, related to church history, and
which was, at the earnest solicitations
of Mr. Huntington and Mr. Lord,
placed in the archives of the Essex
Institute and are now its property.

A strong, energetic, healthful, life-
giving, missionary spirit marked this
ministry from beginning to end.
This pastor believed in the conver-
sion of the world, and that it is the
province of the church to send the
message to the remotest lands. It
was not simply a theory, but a belief
that permeated his very soul and
which took tangible form in doing.
To him the world was an organic
unit, and to keep one nation or peo-
ple in ignorance of the glad tidings
was comparable to the loss of a vital
part of the body. He had that
larger, later, nineteenth century con-
ception of missions which is the re-
sult of close scrutiny of man’s rela-
tion to divinity, and critical study of
the whole scheme of redemption. Of
such cast were Judson, Goodell, and
the broad-minded men that have car-
ried the interests of the American
Board for nearly a century. It was

his grasp of the oneness of the hu-
man race that led him, like our
beloved Whittier, to voice the New
England heart in advocating univer-
sal human freedom, and although he
did not leave his sentiments em-
bodied in imperishable verse, he did
impress them on immortal lives. If
one class of meetings stand out more
prominently in the memory of this
era than others, it was the Missionary
Concert. Regularly, once a month,
young and old came together for in-
struction and impetus, and “Among
the many pictures, that hang on
memory’s wall,” is the reverend
pastor with pointer in hand and maps
before him, giving the geography
and missionary history of every land
in turn. He never came to his task
unprepared, waiting for a chance
remark to give a suggestion, but he
planned for every concert and prayer
meeting conscientiously, and taught
and encouraged the church to take
up and discuss the subjects present-
ed, which resulted in few silent mo-
ments.

Rev. Anson McLoud was gifted
with strong personal characteristics,
which were apparent to every one
with whom he came in contact. To
the stranger he seemed stern and
unapproachable, but when once his
confidence had been gained, he was
free, social and winning, for never
one lived with a kindlier heart or
more lovable disposition. In speak-
ing of him in this connection, one
who knew him best quoted Cicero’s
opinion of Pompey : “Those that lived
with him the longest were the happi-
est,” and added “Those happy days
when I was free to go to his home,
wore away so fast without my think-

42

mg they would ever end.”

In the sick room he was always a
welcome visitor. One who was often
the recipient of these pastoral calls
has recently said, “1 anxiously wait-
ed for his footstep, knowing he
would have some word of cheer.”
Never did he leave the sick or afflict-
ed without leaving his impress be-
hind. He taught great lessons when
making these visits, as well as from
the pulpit, and it was often done in
such a delicate, indirect manner, that
the effect of the lesson would be
intensified. One that came under
his care was sick so long that she
was discouraged and inclined to fret,
and was well nigh the “Slough of
Despond.” After listening a suita-
ble time to the tale of woe, he said :
“I’ll tell you a story I have recently
heard if you will promise that you
will not take it to yourself.” Then
he related an incident of an officer in
the Rebel service, who was bemoan-
ing his lot since his capture by the
Yankees. He was swearing vocifer-
ously, when a Quaker approached
him and said: “Swear, on my friend,
swear on, for you can never enter
heaven with all that in your heart.”
It is needless to say a personal appli-
cation was made, and the lesson
learned.

Extremely careful of others’ feel-
ings and desirous to avoid being a
stone of stumbling, he often took steps
most people would consider unneces-
sary. In the congregation was a
regular attendant upon public wor-
ship, though not a member of the
church, who possessed some very
strong peculiarities. Mr. McLoud
honored him, loved him, understood
him, and always was very careful

never to strike against his sharp
points. His greatest singularity was
an avowed determination never to
hear a Methodist preacher. It was
the custom to exchange pulpits an-
nually, and when the time came, it
was the invariable habit of Mr.
McLoud to walk to the outskirts of
the town and inform Mr. S. of his
intention, the Saturday preceding, so
the brother could make arrangements
for worship elsewhere. On one
occasion, by some mischance, the
notification was overlooked, and Mr.
S. walked down the long aisle to the
side of the pulpit. Discovering the
intruder, he turned and quickly re-
traced his steps, much to the merri-
ment of those that understood the
situation. Upon apology Mr.
McLoud was pardoned, but to his
dying day Mr. S. never listened to a
follower of Wesley.

Mr McLoud was very careful of
his statements when questioned.
When in doubt, he would say “I am
not quite sure of that. I shall have
to think that over before I give an
opinion.” The same prudence ex-
tended to his financial affairs and
domestic life. By strict economy and
careful management, he gave each of
his children a good, substantial edu-
cation, built a comfortable residence,
gave liberally to missionary enter-
prises, helped many of the poor in
his parish privately, accumulated a
large library and always kept out of
debt.

A keen sense of humor pervaded
his nature, and a quickness to recog-
nize and appreciate true wit, and
that it has a legitimate place in life,
made him an agreeable companion
when one had learned to know him.

43

In 1881, when the writer felt she
was reading before a critical audience,
“Mary had a little Lamb,” she was
gratified and encouraged when spy-
ing the grave and dignified pastor
shaking with merriment, showing he
recognized in the characters por-
trayed, the quick-witted Irishman,
and the slow moving Dutchman.
When speaking of him, Mr. Sewall
of Lynn once said : “He is the life
of our association.”

Mr. McLoud’s ideals were lofty,
but the standard he set for others, he
followed closely himself. Charity
and generosity were prominent in his
make up, as many a home of penury
could testify, though he never allow-
ed his left hand to know what his
right hand did. His influence was
not confined to the limits of the pul-
pit, for he was a citizen as well as a
pastor. Duty and privilege were
synonymous terms with him, and he
considered it both, to cast his vote
for the party that had the interests
of state at heart.

The educational matters of the
town were of great moment to him,
as they are to all thinking and pro-
gressive men. When serving on the
school committee, which position he
held from 1875-1882, he knew every
child by name, and it is safe to say
there was no child but knew and
loved him. From the printed reports
it is clear he understood the true and
more modern meaning of education,
for his method of dealing with both
teacher and pupil shows that he be-
lieved to awaken the dormant, men-
tal faculties is of far greater value
than to store the mind with facts.
While he conceded that “knowledge
is power,” he recognized the greater

truth that the quality of the power
depends upon the nature of the
knowledge and the nature of the
man who uses it. It is the tendency
of knowledge to make good citizens,
but the true function of education is
to enable one to overcome all the in-
sidious temptations to use knowledge
for wicked purposes.

It is to the efforts of Mr. Sidney
Merriam and Rev. Anson McLoud
that we owe the town library. It is
a grand monument to their memories,
and an incalculable benefit to the
town. Starting with a nucleus of
520 volumes gathered from the Old
Athenaeum, Agricultural Library
and the circulating library of 268
volumes, the property of the Ladies’
Society, it has constantly enlarged
its borders, till today Topsfield can
boast of one of the largest and best
selected libraries in Essex county.
The collection of books formerly
belonging to the ladies deserves a
passing notice. They were all pur-
chased by Mr. McLoud and paid for
by the ladies, and comprised the best
books of the day, there being none
of lighter vein than the poems of
Longfellow. This library was taken
in a large clothes basket from house
to house where the society chanced
to meet regularly every two weeks,
during the winter months. This is
one of the many ways in which this
pastor taught his people to read.
Long familiarity with books made
Mr. McLoud a valuable librarian,
which position he filled with ability
from the founding of the library
until his death.

The love for the beautiful in na-
ture, and a desire to be of service to
his fellowmen led him to assist in

44

adorning the public common with the
most lasting and attractive of trees.
The lofty and graceful elms, as they
raise their branches heavenward,
speak to the passer-by from out the
silence to come up higher, to leave
the paths of sin and come into the
purer realms of spiritual life.

In politics this clear headed man
was a stanch Republican, but he
never unnecessarily or beyond the
proper limit brought state affairs
into the pulpit. But when the coun-
try was in peril, or weighty matters
to be settled, like our Revolutionary
fathers, whose true son he was, he
did not hesitate to freely speak his
mind. It is not strange when his
services were available, that his
party should honor themselves and
the town by sending him in 1872 to
the state legislature, where his vote
always told though his voice was
seldom heard.

The Sabbath school always re-
ceived Mr. McLoud’s heartiest sup-
port, and as far as records show, the
largest membership was in 1863 and
1864 when the numbers reached
the astonishing figures of 210.
Teachers’ meetings were conducted
by him several times for short peri-
ods, but languished for want of
patronage.

It is due to the men and women of
the Topsfield Congregational church
of this time, and their descendants,
to say that they were a large hearted,
generous, unselfish people. They did
not recognize the claim of a minister
to a munificent salary, but gave liber-
ally in the form of private gifts and
surprise parties. The 25th anni-
versary of Mr. McLoud’s settle-
ment was a “Red Letter” day; few

happier occasions ever graced a pas-
tor or people. Mr. Nehemiah Cleve-
land presided over the exercises at
the church, and his speech, when
presenting $1000 as a gift from a
grateful and united parish, was char-
acteristic of that illustrious family.
The reply of the pastor was calm,
unembarrassed and dignified, his sub-
dued voice showing he appreciated
the situation. The collation follow-
ing in Union hall, the music by a de-
tachment of Gilmore’s famous” band,
and the after dinner speeches by
ministers and friends from abroad,
contributed to make Dec. 8, 1867, a
memorable occasion.

In the spring of 1883 Mr. McLoud
was appointed with Mr. Samuel Todd
as a committee upon cemetery im-
provements, and with his character-
istic zeal, went to work with his own
hands to beautify it. It was here
under a scorching July sun that he
received the stroke that proved to be
the beginning of the end of his
earthly life. After a few months of
languor and decline he passed, Feb.
21st, 1883, from the vision of his
loving friends to the companionship
of those who had preceded him.

One of the most difficult questions
a young man is called upon to decide
is his vocation. As he steps over the
threshold that separates youth from
manhood, the question “What shall
be my place in life?” confronts him,
and often the decision proves a
disaster for him and all concerned in
his welfare. Many a good artisan
has been spoiled by trying to make
an artist, but no one could ever think
of the subject of this sketch as mis-
taking his calling ; that he was de-
signed for the pulpit was apparent,

♦

and no one ever questioned his
ability to hold this sacred position.

As this sketch is brought to a close
one naturally inquires the purpose of
such an historical review. Why
does this society peer iuto the by-
gones and bring to view that which
has been covered with a mantle of
years? Is it from mere curiosity or
an attempt to pass an idle hour
agreeably ; is it simply to put into
tangible, permanent form, that which
we wish our descendants to peruse,
or is there a higher, nobler aim in
taking these retrospects? Has the
past of Topsfield any relation to its
present and future? Have we as
successors of a grand and honored
ancestry any responsibility to our
inheritance? If any permanent good
is to result from these investigations,
comparisons must be made, relations
traced, deficiencies remedied, and
reform and advance attempted.
Human life is an organic whole; no
one liveth to himself. We are here
to act and react upon each other in
manifold ways ; to take up and carry
on work planned by others, and so
plan and execute that those who fol-
low us will be benefited.

For nearly a half century Rev.
Anson McLoud went in and out of
the homes of Topsfield, ministering
to spiritual necessities, directing ed-
ucational interests, uniting in mar-

riage sons and daughters, weeping at
the bier of loved ones, and in a
modest, dignified, Christian way,
touching every side of life. To fully
summarize his work would from this
point of view be impossible, but to
discover the secret of another power
is the surest path to our own success.
Each church, town, or hamlet, as
truly as empires, has its period of
rise, power and decline. What the
age of Elizabeth was to England, the
era of Pericles was to Greece, the
early and middle years of this century
were to Topsfield. The Congrega-
tional church was then at its zenith
of power, which, coupled with Mr.
McLoud’ s strict adherence to duty
and devotion to his work, unfaltering
belief in what he preached, sincerity
of soul and earnestness of purpose,
a well balanced and properly trained
mind and a consecrated heart, made
this period of Tops field’s church
history a conspicuous one, and this
pastor a prominent figure in its life.
He has passed on to a higher sphere
of action, and from an exalted posi-
tion we seem to hear his voice bid-
ding us to be true to our trust ; to
make no compromises with evil ; to
stand firmly by the dear old church
and all it represents, and sacredly
guard the interests of our historic
town.

TOPSFIELD AND ROWLEY VILLAGE MEN WHO
TOOK THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE
AND FIDELITY.

BY SIDNEY PERLEY.

The oath of allegiance and fidelity to the sovereign might be required,
by the ancient common law, of all persons above the age of twelve,
and it was repeatedly used as a test for the disaffected. It was first
imposed by statute in the reign of Elizabeth. Its early form was
exceedingly strong and comprehensive.

Charles II was in special favor of the established church, and the
fact that only members of the Congregational church had the right
of suffrage in New England greatly disturbed him. His Episcopalian
friends here were ever ready to inform him of incidents that
could be construed to indicate the liberty and independence of the
colonies. He had real cause for anxiety when the people dwelling
north of the Merrimac river refused to obey his mandates and the
officers whom he had sent to enforce them. Foreseeing this result,
on the decision of the court in England in the Mason claim, in 1677,
he immediately had the oath of allegiance and fidelity taken, and re-
peated it the next year. This repetition indicates how unsettled and
alarming the condition of the country was at that time. This indi-
cation of distrust in England is given additional force the next year
(1679) by the creation of a royal province in the northern portion of
the Mason domain, and seven years later by the elimination of the
principal part of the right of self-government of the Massachusetts
Bay and other New England colonies, and placing them within the
king’s control.

The following lists of the inhabitants of Topsfield and Rowley
Village, who took the oath of " allegiance and fidelity in 1677 and 1678,
are found recorded in Ipswich Deeds, Volume IV, the first on page
167 and the second on page 225, those marked by an asterisk, being of
Rowley Village : —

A list of those of Topsfield who acording to an order of the Gen’ell
Court appeared before Ens. John Gould, in decemb : and January
1677 and have taken the oath of Alegance & fidelity.

(46)

47

Tho: Perkins Jun.

Wm Hobbs

Zach : Perkins

Isack Estie, Sen.

Timo : Perkins

Jo : Robinson

Issack Comings Jun.

Isaack Estie, Jun.

Jo : Comings Jun.

Joseph Estie

Eliash Perkins

Jacob Townes

Nath Comings

John Townes

Wm Howlett

Daniell Clarke

Issack Comings Sen.

Evan Morrice

John Wiles

Mr. Wm Perkins, Sen.

Sam: Howlett

•>Tho : Andrews

John Prichett

Sam : Stanley

Wm Prichett

-*Josiah Bridges

Joseph Prichett

John How dark

John Hovey

Tho: Newmans (?)

Ephr Dorman

*Jo : Vinton

Tho : Dorman

♦Arthur Carry

Isaack Pabody

John Curtise

Tobiiah Perkins

♦Zache : Curtise

John Perkins

♦Joseph Pabody

Timo Perkins

♦Jo Kimball

Dan : Borman

Ben : Bixbie

Wm. Aver ill

♦John Stiles

Dan : Redington

♦Jo : Andrews

Nath: Hovey

♦Joseph Andrews

Math : Stanley

♦Dan : Blake

John Stanley

Jonah Lookes

James Watters

Antho Baker

Wm Towne

♦Blaze Vinton

Joseph Towne

Jo : man

Mich Duniil

Tho : Tower

Jo : Nicolls

♦Robt Smith

Isaack Burton

♦Robt Stiles

Peeter Shamway

♦Jo : Kemball

Wm Nicolls

♦Dan: Wood

Tho : Looke

♦Sam : Simon & his thr<

Tho : Cave

taken oath.

Phillip Knight

These of Topsfleld & Rowle .village rI'he maior Genell gave the oath
of Alegence the 18th of Dcembar 1678, a list

rar Jery : Hubbord
mr Wm Perkins senr.
mr John Baker

Michaell Dunniell
John Nicolls
Isaack Burton

48

mr John Bradstreet
mr Tho : Baker
mr Wm Perkins junr
Lift, ffra : Pabody
Ens : John Gould
♦sergt Jo : Pabody
sergt Isaack Comings
sergt Ephr : Dorman
Corpel Jacob Towne
John ffrench
Isaack Esteye senr
John Wild
sergt Jo : Redington
Thomas Perkins
Joseph Towne senr
Daniell Clarke
John How
♦John Comings senr
William Averill
Sam : Howlett
William Howlett
Daniell Borman
Tho Dorman
Mathew Stanley
Tho : Perkins junr
Zacheous Perkins
Timo : Perkins
Isaack Comings junr
John Comings junr
Nath : Comings

John

John Pritchett
Will Pritchett
Joseph Pritchett
Wm Pabody
Isaack Pabody
Tobiiah Perkins
John Perkins
Timo: Perkins
Dan : Redington
John Stanley
James Watters
Wm Townes
Joseph Townes junr
Thomas Townes

Peeter Shomway
Will Nickles
John Robinson
Thomas Caue
Phill : Knight
Wm Hobbs
Isaack Estye
Joseph Estye
John Estye
John Townes
Jacob Towne junr
John Curtice
♦Zakory Curtice
Tho: [Neumans?]
Evan Morice
John Clarke
Anthony Baker
John Gould junr
♦Sam: Symons
♦Tho : Andrews
Sam : Stanley
♦Josiah Bridges
♦Joseph Pabody
♦John Kimball
♦Robert Stiles
Beniamin Bixby
♦John Andres
♦Joseph Andrews
♦John Stiles
♦Daniell Black
Jonath : Looke
♦Blaze Vinton
♦John Vinton
♦Arther Carey
♦Robert Smith
♦John Ramsdell
John Havens
Nath : Nurce
Joshua Betion
♦Sam : Busell
♦Tho : Comings
Jacob fibster
♦ffrancis Lathe
Elisha Perkins

TOPSFIELD BILL OF ESTATE,
MADE BETWEEN 1723 AND 1725.

Wedo Hannah and ann Aurel . . .

Nathaniel aurel

Wed Mahitabel aurel

Joseph andrew

lef Thomas Baker

mr Simon Bradstret

Samuel Bradstret

Beniamin bixby

Joseph Borman

natlianiel borman

Dauid Baultch

Daniel Clark

wed and John Clark

Jacob Clark

mr John Capen

nathaniel Cepen

Joseph commings

Joseph coinmings Jun

lef Ephraim dorman

Jesse dorman

wed Deborah dorman

Jacob Esty

ens John Gould

Thomas Gould

lef Joseph Gould

Zacheus Gould

[Samuel?] Gould

Thomas garr

cap John How

sar John Howlett

Samuel howlet

John houey

Personal

Poles Real estate estate

0

0

0

01

11

00

6

3

7

6

03

0

01

8

1

2

6

02

11

01

2

1

2

6

02

6

00

6

3

7

6

05

3

03

1

1

2

6

04

0

01

4

1

2

6

02

11

01

7

1

2

6

01

6

00

9

2

5

0

01

7

01

3

2

5

0

03

6

01

10

2

5

0

00

6

00

2

3

7

6

02

5

01

8

1

2

6

00

9

00

3

1

2

6

00

0

00

0

1

2

6

01

4

00

4

1

2

6

00

0

00

0

1

2

6

01

4

00

10

0

0

0

00

9

00

0

2

5

0

03

3

01

8

1

2

G

02

8

01

4

0

0

0

01

7

01

3

1

2

6

02

3

01

2

3

7

6

03

1

01

5

3

7

G

01

4

01

2

1

2

6

03

2

01

7

1

2

6

01

10

01

3

2

5

0

00

3

00

2

1

2

6

01

8

00

9

0

0

0

01

10

00

10

2

5

0

03

3

01

9

1

2

6

01

9

01

1

2

5

0

02

1

01

8

(49)

50

Personal

Poles Real estate estate

Iuory houey

1

2

6

02

8

01

0

nathaniel liood

0

0

0

01

4

00

6

Beniaman liow

1

2

6

00

0

00

2

Joseph how

1

2

6

00

0

00

0

Samuel lamson

0

0

0

00

5

00

0

Elizar lak

2

5

0

04

9

01

8

Edward nealand

0

0

0

00

11

00

0

Philip nealand

0

0

0

01

1

00

0

mr Isaac pabody

2

5

0

07

6

02

0

sar Jacob pabody

2

5

0

02

10

01

4

Iaac pebody Jun

1

2

6

00

0

00

2

cap Tobiia pirkins

1

2

6

03

0

01

6

mr Tobiia pirkins

1

2

6

00

2

00

9

cap Thomas parley

0

0

0

00

0

00

2

wed and Timothy pirkins . . .

1

2

6

02

3

01

2

John prichard

0

0

0

00

11

00

5

Thomas perkins

1

2

6

03

6

02

1

Zacheus perkins

1

2

6

02

3

01

0

Elisha purkins

3

7

6

04

3

02

2

Timothy purkins

7

6

02

8

01

4

ens Timothy purkins

4

10

0

03

6

02

2

Thomas purkins Jun

1

2

6

01

1

01

0

John purkins

1

2

6

01

5

00

9

Johnathan purkins

1

2

6

00

5

00

4

Jacob purkins

1

2

6

00

5

00

4

Dea Daniel Redington

3

7

6

04

4

01

5

John Redington

0

0

0

00

0

00

2

Daniel Redington Junr ....

1

2

6

00

0

00

6

Jacob Redington

1

2

6

00

0

00

2

mr John and Jacob Robinson . .

1

2

6

02

9

01

2

Joseph Robinson

1

2

6

01

3

00

6

Samuel Smith

1

2

6

01

4

00 11

William Town

2

5

0

02

0

01

3

Joshua Town

1

2

6

01

0

00

11

John Town

1

2

6

02

0

00 11

Jacob Town

1

2

6

00

0

00

5

Ephraim Wilds Senr

2

5

0

03

2

01

3

John Wilds

5

0

00

7

00

6

Ephraim Wilds

1

2

6

00

0

00

2

Jonathan Wilds

1

2

6

00

0

00

2

Jonathan borman

1

2

6

00

0

00

0

Jems gloid

2

6

00

0

00

0

51

John curby . . .

John wilerd . .

John houiey Junr
Samuel Robenson
Robord purkins .

Personal

Poles Real estate estate

1

2

0

00

0

00

0

1

2

6

00

0

00

2

1

2

6

00

0

00

0

1

2

G

00

0

00

0

1

2

6

00

0

00

2

COUNTY RATE MADE THE 18 OF

Tho Avery

4

3

Will Avery

6

0

Tho Baker

6

6

Tho Browning ....

8

4

Mickall Boudon . . .

2

8

Daniel Black ....

3

6

Daniell Borman . . .

14

4

Edmand Bridges . . .

4

6

Samuel Cuttler . . .

8

11

Daniel Clarke ....

9

5

Antony Carell ....

5

6

Isack Cummings Sr . .

7

q

*J

Isack Cummings jr . .

10

0

Mickall Donell . . .

5

6

Ephraim Dorman . .

8

0

Tho Dorman ....

9

6

Isack Estey

9

8

John French ....

8

6

mr Gilbert

4

6

Jon Gould

1 2

0

John How

12

6

Mathu Hucker . . .

2

8

John Hovey ....

9

6

' NOVEMBER 1GG8 FOR TOPSFIELD.

Tho Hobes . . .

. . 13

1

Ensigne Howlett

. . 4

10

John morall

. . 9

11

Evans Mories .

. . 2

0

Jon Nickols

. . 2

9

Will Nickols .

. . 11

8

Frances Pebody

. . 14

2

Joseph Pebody

. . 5

7

Mr Wm Perkins

. . 12

9

Tho Perkins

..11

6

Debory Perkins

. . 2

0

Will Prichat

. . 5

0

John Redington

..11

10

Jon Robinson .

. . 2

10

Mathu Stanley

. . 7

10

Will Smith Corp

. . 4

4

William Towne

• /

Joseph Towne

■ s 11

0

Jacob Towne .

. . 7

6

Edmond Towne

. . 14

3

James Watters

. . 4

0

John Wilds . .

. . 13

3

Luke Waklin . .

. . 1

0

Frances Pebody

|

John Gould !

y Selectmen.

Thomas Baker I

[

Daniel Borman J

1

THE

EARLY RECORDS

OF THE

TOWN OF TOPSFIELD,

MASSACHUSETTS.

Transcribed by Geo. Frs. Dow.

Continued from Vol. II, page 52.

Apon Ipswich or Rowly Refuesing
to agree With or men to Lay out a
Country roade from Rowly to Tops-
feild thay haue power in ye Name of
or Towne to moue ye Honerable
Court for helpe in this Case. Voated

At A Lawfull Meeting of ye Towne
of Topsfeild the 16 of may 1684.

The Towne did mainfest by Voat
that thay ware Willing to proseed to
ordanatiou With Mr Joseph Capen.

The Towne has manifested by
Voate to answer Mr Joseph Capen
desier in sending to fiue Churchis for
mesengers to Mr Capen. Voated

Lliut Pebody Deacken Perkins
Lliut Baker Ensigne Pebody John
Houey Corpr Townes lsacke Estey
Senr & John Gould Senr are Chosen
to prouide for Mr Capen ordanation
and the Towne and Church to pa}7
for ye Charges thay bee out about it
in such as thay Lay out Ether in
Kind or eles in that as ye Law dos
say is equeliant to it. Voated

The Commitev that was Chosen to
Lay out to Mr Capen twelue Eackers
of Land & medow A swamp is im-
powered to goe and recttifie there
Line alredy rune and if that dos not
reach the Coues of medow but by
adding then thay haue power to Lay
ye Coue or Coues of medow to Mr
Capen. Voated

Wee whose names are Vnderwrit-
ting being appioynted som for Ips-
wich and P Ipswich Towne and som
for Topsfeild and P Topsfeild Towne
to settell the Line betwext said
Townes haue agreed as followeth
that the Line shall Rune : and is
setled from a planted Tree in a
stomp in Thomas perely his ffeild to

a black oak Tree marked with a
heape of stones at it : soe to a whiat
oak Tree marked with a heap of
stones at it and soe on a streight
Line to a pond Called Mr Bakers
pond : and then the pond to be the
bounds till it Comes to the soe east
end of the pond : till it Comes to a
White oak Tree marked & a peice of
medow : and then to run on a streight
Line to another White oak Tree
marked with a : T : on the south sid
an : I : on the north sid With a
heape of stones at it, neer the farme
formerly Mr Symonds his farme:
still Running one a streight Line to
that farme, and soe on a Line to the
brooke, and then as the brooke Run-
eth till it Comes into Ipswich Riuer :
Mr Symonds farme being included in
Topsfeild bounds : Topsfeild men
subscribing haue a greed to all
aboue Written apon the acount that
the prouiso in Ipswich Towne Grant
to Topsfeild with Respect to theire
Catle Trespassing be noe more
Liable to pay then other Townes for
their Catle Trespassing in Witness
where of The perties appoynted by
their seuerall Townes haue sett to
their hands this 28th 2 month 1684
ssigned & In prsence of Wittnesses
P the perties sent P Ipswich to the
perties Concerned for Topsfeild.

John Wilds Daniell Epps

John How Thomas Wade

Jacob Townes Simon Stace

Ephrom Dorman Nehemiah Jewet
John Houey John Appleton

Thomas Burman Senr

Wittnesses
Joseph Goodhou
John Whipple

This is a true Copey Compared
with ye orignell Vnder there hands

of both partyes by both Townes as
thay ware apionted by there Townes
as atested P me John Gould Record-
er for Topsfeild

Witnes to ye truth of the Copey
John How Epherim dorman

At a meeting of the Towne of
Ipswich the 17th of Apriell 1684
Called about Runing the Line be-
tweene Topsfeild and Ipswich appon
a motion made by the selectmen of
Topsfeild to the selectmen of Ips-
wich for that end : it was at this
Towne meeting Voted that CaptJohn
Appleton Capt Daniell Epps Lliut
Thomas Burnum and Mr Nehemiak
Jewett should be adJoyned With Mr
Thomas Wade and Ensigne Stace
Who weare formerly appointed by
the Towne to Run Lines as there
should be occasion To Run this
Line betwene ye Towne of Ipswich
and Topsfeild and to setteli the
Bounds according to former agree-
ment betwene the fore said Townes
as may appeare Vpon Records: and
if there appears no agreement Vpon
Record : then the Towne by there
Vote haue giuen to ye gentlemen a
boue named full power to make a
full agreement and settle the Bounds
Betweene the said Townes as thay in
there Wisdom shall thinke best to be
done.

At a Generali Towne meeting
ffebuary ye 9th 16ol Vppon the peti-
tion of Topsfeild the Towne haue
Reffered the dispossing of the Com-
mon ground neere the new medowes
to the seauen men.

At ye same Towne meeting Grant-
ed to Ensigne Thomas Howlett six
acres of Vpland to be Joyned to the
farme which hee bought of Mr

Roggers Wheare the said Ensigne
haue biult his house.

Granted and sold Vnto Ensigne
Howlett a littell stripe of Land Lying
Betwene him and Daniell Clarke

At a Towne meeting ffebeuary
19th 1660 Granted Ensigne Howlett
to exchang a small percell of Land
according as Richard Jacob Mosis
Pengry and Robart Lord in the
behalfe of the Towne Veiwing of the
same shall Judge meete to Lay it out
to him.

At ye Towne meeting hild the 18th
ffebwary 1661 Granted to Ensigne
Howlett to Exchange a percell of
medow wth the Towne Vppon Equall
Teirmes as shall be Judged meet by
Deacon Goodhue and Richard Jacob
prouided that if the said Ensigne
Howlett doe not make good the titell
of the medow he doth Exchange that
then this grant to be Voide.

Thes six perticelers aboue written
are True Coppies taken out of the
Towne Booke of Ipswich as thay are
there Recorded.

P John Brewer Clarke of ye
Towne of Ipswich.

Apriell 23 1684

Thes are True Copies of those
Copies as atested P mee John Gould
Recorder for Topsfeild.

Witness to the Copyes as thay be
prseuted to Vs Vnder ye Clarke of
Ipswich hands besides or Clarke
hand :

John How William Smith Jur

At A Lawfull Towne meeting of
the Towne of Topsfeild the 19 agust
1684.

William Aueriell senr is Chosen
Commisenor for the Towne of Tops-

55

feild for this yeare to goe to the
Sheere Towne to Joyne with ye
Commisioners there.

At A Llawfull Towne Meeting the
26 of Noumber 1684 : our Towne of
Topsfeild Considring the great Euel)
that may Come by so Contending
Eache Towne one with ye other and
especly in this Time when we haue
Case to feare an enemie may Come
and breake or pease and take or
prilidges from Vs Wee doe propound
to ye Towne of Salam to Chose a
Commite to Sttell the six miles ex-
tent Line from there meeting house
toward or Towne and to giue there
Commitee ffull power to Settell a
Lline with a Commite Chosen by or
Towne for that end and for both
Townes to Chose men to bee of the
Commites to bee such as are not
preposesed or any wayes Consarned
in ye Case and this Wee doe desier
ye Gentellmen selectmen of Salam to
propound to there Towne and to send
Vs there Townes mind : Lliut Baker
is Chosen to Carey this to ye seclect-
men of Salam and to prsent it to
them as the Towne of Topsfeild
desier to bee prsented to ye Towne
of Salam as aboue said.

Voated

Seuerall Rates made and deliuer-
ed to ye Constabell of Topsfeild this
20 of Jenewary 1684.

To two singell Contrey rates one
to be paid in money the other in
Corne ye Countrey demand is 151b
the rate as it is made is £15-13-02

one Towne Rate amounting to
071b 16s 04.

one Rate for ye ministrey in ye
yeare 1684 the same is 75lb whereof

twenty pounds of it is to be paid in
siluer 75-00-00

one Rate for ye ordanation of mr
Capen Comeing to 081b 06s 02d
Topsfield feb 24th 85.

This may signify to whom it may
concern that I haue reseued of Con-
stabell Ridingtun that is Daniell
Ridington that half Rate which was
made for me upon ye acount of ye
menestry in Topsfield & commited to
ye said Redington to gather for me
which was for part of ye yere 82 &
part of ye yere 83 I say reseued by
me ye full of that rate or that of ye
constable which was to my full sat-
isfaction as witnes ray hand ye day
and dat a bone written.

Joseph Capen
This is a true Coppy of that re-
seight taken and entered by me
Ephraim Dorman,

Recorder for Topsfield
Topsfield the 22 fabruary 1686 or
87.

a single Country rat mad by order
of his Exselencye & Consell & com-
mited to Constable Comings to
gather ye totall amounting to seauen
pounds thirtene shillings and two
pence.

Boston the 25th may 1687.

Reseiued of Isaac Comings Consta-
ble in the Towne of Topsfield seauen
pounds thirtene shilings being the
Cuntry rate for said Towne and is in
full for the same.

John Vsher Treasurer
this is a true Coppy of the Treasur-
ers reseight entered by me Ephram
Dorman recorder for Topsfield.
witnes

John How Isaac Pabody

56

We Whose Names are Vnder
Wrighteen being apionted by ye
Towne at a towne meeting ye 16 of
may 1684 to ade to mr Capen Line
ye Coues or Couess of medow, haue
don it wee marked ablake ocke stand-
ing about one rode from ye medow
side and so ruining apon a straight
Line from that tree to both Corner
of ye fence as it now stands this 2 :
march 1684 or 85.
witnes or hands

frances pabody
jjohn Wiles
John Redingtou
Jacob towne
John Gould

At a Lawfull Meeting of ye Town
of Topsfeild ye 16th of May 1684.

the Town did manifest by vot
that they were willing to proceed to
ordination with Mr Joseph Capen.

Voted

The Town has manfested by vote
to answer to Mr Joseph Capeus
desier in sending to five Churches for
MesenJers to Mr Capens Ordaina-
tion . Voted

Llievet Peabody Deacon Perkins
Llievet Baker Ensigne Peabody John
Hovey Corpll Townes Isaac Estey
senr. and John Gould are Chosen to
provide for Mr. Capens Ordaination,
and ye Town and Church to pay for
the charges they be out about it;
such as they lay out ; Ether in Kinde
or in that as ye Law doth say is
Equivolent to it. ^ oted

The Comitie that are chosen to lay
out to Mr. Capen Twelve acres of
Land and Medow & Swamp, is Im-
powered to go and Rectifie three
Lines at redg tonne and if that do

not reach the Cove of Medow, then
they have power to Lay out the
Coves of Medow to Mr. Capen.

At a Lawfull Town Meeting the
6th Day of October 1685 the Town
has menifested by vote that they will
Chuse a commitie to Treat with
Rowley Villagers to see what they
will pay towards the maintainance of
our Minister by the Year. Voted

Llievt Baker Deacon Perkins
SarJt. Dorman Sarjt. Towns and
William Averell Senr. is Choen a
Commitie To Treat with Rowley
Villagers to see what they will give
towards the maintainance of our
Ministry by the year and to make
Return of it to the Town.

at A Lawfull Towne meeting ye
3 march 1684 or 85.

John Gould was Chosen to be ye
Towne Clarke to kepe ye Towne
booke of reckads for Topsfeild for
ye year insueing.

Elisha perkins is Chosen Consta-
bell for Topsfield for ye yeare in
sueing. Voated

Sargt Redington Lliut Thomas
Baker Sargt Ephram Dorman and
Samuel Howlett and John Gould are
Chosen seclectmen to order ye pre-
dushall afares of the Towne for this
yeare, but thay haue noe power to
despose of ye Towne Land. Voated

The Towne has by Voate declared
that thay doe grant to mr Capen to
be a Comener in the Towne with
orselues. Voated

The Towne has manifested by
Voate yt thay will Chose men to
rune out ye mile & quarter which is
not yet rune out with Salam a Cord-
ing to agreement and so on apon ye

57

same piont of ye Compas. Voated
Corpr Houey & Isacke Estey and
John Gould are Chosen and impow-
ered to rune out ye mile & quarter
which is not yet rune out aCording
to a greement with Salem men and
so one as there a greement is pro-
uided thay shall not any wise weakn
ye power formerly granted to Liut
Baker Sargt Townes & Sargt How.

Voated

Daniel Redington samuel standly
are Chosen seruayeres for hie wayes
this in sueing year. Voated

Isacke pebody & Isacke Estey
Junr are Chosen fence Veveeres for
this in sueing year. Voted

Isacke Estey senr is Chosen Juer-
eyman of Triads for this next Court
at Ipswich. Voted

the Towne has Chosen there prsent
seclectmen to Veve What is by Lliut
pebody & John Gould taken out of
ye old Towne Booke and subcribed
into ye new and see if there is any
more to betake out and what ye
maior part of them doe agree two
the Towne shall stand two. Voated
At a Lawfull Towne meeting the
14 march Et Was Voted that
samuel symons should take pay of
those yt doe seet in ye seeats that
hee dos set Vp at ye east end of ye
meeting house thay being Constant
Contruibatrs to ye word of god here
at Topsfeild aCording to there ability.

Voated

William Auerell senr Enters his
Contrey desents to ye Voate aboue
wrighteen.

at a Lawfull Towne meeting ye
14 march 1684 5.

The Towne doth order that ye the
grounds and Cases of any Towne
meeting that shall be a greeed Vpon

and noties giuen togather With War-
ing of the meeting to the Inhabitance
and it shall not be Lawfull for any
thing to be acted in any Towne meet-
ing but What there shall be noties
giuen of When such meetings shall
be Warned, VnLess some Vergant
aCations shall fall out that Could not
before seeme to be a Voaided.

Voated

The Towne dos agree that Leagall
noties for Waring Towne meetings
shall be in W righting Ether Vnder
ye Constabels hand or seclectm
hands and it to be set Vp one ye
meeting house dores. Voated

The Towne dos pase a Voate that
if any man or men doth goe thoroe
any man Land Where there is no hie
Way and Leaue doune the fence
shall pay aline of flue shilings for
Euerey such defalt. Voated

at a Lawfull meeting of ye ffree-
men of Topsfeild ye 28 Apriell 1685,
mr William perkins is Chosen Grand-
juror man for ye yeare insueing.

Voated

At A Lawfull Towne meeting ye
19 of may 1685.

The Towne dos giue full power to
the prsant seclectmen to recken With
mr Thomas Hunter Atuereney to
prizzilah Throw alias Huuter bare-
ing date ye 7 day of May 1685, to
Cale or demand for any part or par-
cell of Lluke Waklin Estate, the
Towne Voated that ye seclectmen
should giue him an a Count and De-
liuer all the mouabell Estate of Luke
Waklien as ye seclectmen had taken
into there hands, all but What ye
seclectmen was out about in mainta-
ing Luke Waklein duering his nater-
all Life and at his bueriall, and all ye
rest of ye state to be deliuered to ye

58

aboue said Thomas Hunter for any
house or Land that Was Luke Wak-
len ye Towne nor seclectmen neuer
had it in there hands. Voated

At a Lawfull Towne meeting ye 6
day of October 1685.

The Towne has mainfested by
Voate yt thay will Chose a Commitey
ffrindly to treat With Rowdey Viligers
to see what they will pay towards ye
maintnance of or minister by ye
yeare. Voated

Lliut Baker Deackon perkins sargt
Ephram Dorman sargt Townes and
William Auerill senr is Chosen a
Commitey to treat with Rowley Vili-
gers too see what thay will giue
towards ye maintance of or minister
by ye yeare and to make returne of it
to the Towne. Voated

May ye 20 1685.

I Thomas Hunter Atuereney to my
Mother prizzalah Throw alies Hun-
ter doe hereby aquite and discharge
ye seclectmen of Topsfeild in ye
behalfe of ye Towne of Topsfeild of
all ye moueball Estate yt was Luke
Wakline in Topsfeild ; for they haue
giuen mee a full aud true an a Count
of all yt was deliuered to pete[r]
Chomway by ye seclectmen and
deliuered it to mee and what wase in
other men hands thay haue giuen mee
an a Count of, whereby I doe dis-
charge ye seclectmen in ye behalfe of
ye Towne and peter Chomway from
any part of this Estate before men-
cned in as full and ampley amaner
as my mother Throw alies Hunter
Could a done and if shee was here
prsant her selfe, whereby I doe by
this prsant a quite discharge and
release ye seclectmen and peter
Chomway from all and Euerey part
& parcell of yt Estate aboue men-

cned as witnes my hand ye day &
yeare aboue wrighteen.

Thomas Hunter

this was seigned & deliuered in ye
prsant of Vs.

William smith senr and Joseph
smith.

at a lawfull Town meting the 2 of
march 1685 : 86.

Sargant Ephriam dorman is chosen
dark to kepe the Town Book for this
yere iuSuing. uoted

at a lawfull Towne meting the 2 of
march 1685 or 86.

Leiut. Gould Leiut Thomas Baker
Corpll John Houev mr Tobiiah pir-
kins Ephraim Dorman are Chosen
selectmen for this yere inseuing.

uoted

At a lawfull Towne metiug the 2
of march 1685 or 86 John prichet is
chosen Constable for this preasent
yere in sewing. uoted

At a lawfull Toune meeting the 2
of march 1685 or 86 Isack Easty
senr is Chosen Jury man for triads
to atend the next seations of the
Court held at Ipswich after the dat
hereof. uoted

at a lawfull Toune meting the 2 of
march 1685 or 86 the Toune hath
freed John prichet from the a boue
mentioned choyse of a constable.

uoted

at a lawfull Toune meting the 2 of
march 1685 or 86 Sargent Isack
Comings is Chosen Constable for
this yere insewing. uoted

at a lawfull Towne meting the 2
of march 1685 or 86 daniell Reding-
tun and John Robison are Chosen
seruayers for high wayse for this
yere insewing. uoted

at a lawfull Toune meeting the 2
of march 1685 or 86 John Toune and

59

and Timmothy pirkius are Chosen
fence uewers for this preasent yere
insewing. uoted

at a lawfull Toune meeting the 2
of march 1685 or 86.

in answer to Mr Capense desire
spesified in wrighting to the Toune
for the grant of a small pece of land
as his barne stands on and for a
yard ; the Toune hath granted ten
rod of ground and what his barn
stands on and for a leanto. uoted
and Isack Easty senier and Corpll
John Houe}7 are Chosen to lay out
the aboue said land to Mr Capen.

uoted

at a lawfull Toune meeting 2 of
march 1685 or 86 in answer to Cor-
porall Smiths desire to the Towne to
renew the bounds of the parsonidg
land : the Toune haue Chose Lieut
peabody Isack Eastye senr and
Corpll houey to renew the bounds
aboue mentioned. uoted

at a lawfull Toune meeting 2 of
march 1685 or 86 in answer to Isack
peabodys desire manyfested to the
Toune for a seate in the meting
house that is to set up a seat by the
galery staires : the Toune hath
granted his request. uoted

up on the 16 of the first month in
86 we who weare apionted by the
Tonne as apers in the Toune book
Corpll John Houey and Isack Eastye
senr haue laid out the land to Mr
Capen a bout his barne in this man-
ner ten foot for a leantoo on the
west ende and then three rod square
on the south side of the barne and
one rod at the east ende staked out
with four stakes and rocks at the
stakes.

Isack Easty senr
John Houey senr

Wee Lieut rtrances Peabody Isack
Eastye senr Corpll John Houey sargt
John Redington being Chosen by the
Toune and selectmen to setle the
bounds of the Parsonage land and
haue acordingly dun it and haue
measured out thirty acers of vpland
and swamp to the southward of mr
Pirkinsis field : from mr Pirkins his
line three score rod & haue marked
a swamp oake neere to mr Pirkins
his line : a blak oack at the south-
east Corner next the common a heape
of rocks nere to a black or a yealow
oack at the south westerly corner
amapel tree in ye pine swamp at the
norwest corner nere the hill called
bare hill — also we haue layd out
eleauen akers whare the house
stands : haue measured from the
yard westward next the highway
fourty four rod haue marked a young
croched white oack and forty pole
to wards the north : haue set a stake
and a heape of rocks a bout it : haue
come forty four rods eastwardly
astake for the mark nere a grat rock
at the norest corner : and forty rods
southwardly to a post by the yard
whare we began dat ye 26 of march
1686.

ff ranees Peabody

John Ridingtun

Isack Easty senr

John Houey senr
Wee whos names are under
wrighten being Chosen by the Toune
of Topsfield to exsammon the bounds
of such men as haue lands Aioyning
to the Common acording to our
power we haue exsammoned the
bounds of John Prichets land and
not being fully sattisfyed about his
bounds he Claimed ; we came to an
A greement with him : as we had

60

power to doe and we haue fully a
greed with John Prichet as foloweth :
that is that the fence of John
prichets as it now stands on the
northerly side of his land : and a
Joyneing to our Common shall be his
bounds for euer : to remaine as a
setteled bounds betwene John Prich-
ets laud and ye Common : to him and
his hairs and a signes for euer : the
fence now begining at the ende of
the pond and so runing from thence
to a meadow of mr Bakers so far as
Topsfield Common runs : always pro-
uided mr Baker shall haue leborty to
goe with his Cart upon the upland by
the medow side with hay : with out
molestation from John Prichet or his
haires for euer : and further we doe
agree that care may be taken that
thare shall be no remoueall of the
fence towards the Common : but that
the bounds shall be renewed as the
fence now stands : and in conidera-
tion of this a grement John Prechet
hath giuen bill to pay five pounds
ten shillings : and that this is our
agreement : we haue a tested with
our hands dat the 22 of aprill 1686.
witnes Thomas Baker

Ephraim Dorman Jacob Toune
Edna Hazen John How

Wee Lieut Thomas Baker Jacob
Towne senr John How haue setteled
a Line betwen Corpll Thomas Pearly
and Topsfield Common we haueing
power so to doe by order from the
Towne of Topsfield and we haue a
greed and settelled the bounds be-
twene Corpll Perly and Topsfield
Common as foloweth that is that the
bounds shall be and remaine betwene
Topsfield Common and Corpll Perlys
land as the said Perlys fence now
standeth on that side of the sd

Perlys land next John Prichets land
and our Common the Consederation
is twenty four shillings halfe mony :
dath 30 of aprill 1686.
witnes Thomas Baker

Ephraim Dorman Jacob Toune

Isack foster iunr John How

At a lawfull meeting of the free-
men of Topsfield the 4 of may 1686.

Thomas Dorman is Chosen a
Graniury man for Topsfield for this
yeare. voted

At a lawfull Toune meeting the
28 of June 1686.

The Toune did agree that a Com-
mity should be Chosen to goe with
Salem men to perambulate on the
agreement Line betwene Salem and
Topfield and to run the line out a
cording to agreement If thay can
agree about it. noted

and further the Toune haue chose
Leiut Thomas Baker and Sargt
Jacob Toune and Sargt John How
and John Wilds and Isack Easty
sener to be the commitv to Joyne
with Salem men to parambulate : and
run out the line If thay can agree as
a boue mentioned. uoted

Corporall John Houey doth enter
his contrary desent to the aboue
mentioned acte : Lieut John Gouid
doth enter his contrary disent to the
aboue mentioned acte.

Boston Aprill 6th 1686
Reseiued of Elisha pirkins Con-
stable of Topsfield the some of three
pounds fifteue shilings in mony being
the full of the mony Rate for Tops-
field I say Rescued the day and yere
as aboue.

P Samuell Nowill Treasurer
This is to sertyfv that Elisha Pirkins
Constable of Topsfield haue paide
by my order the full of the County

61

Rate for the yere 85: 31b: 15s:
June 10: 86 by me John Appleton
then Treasurer for the County.

Reseiued the 3 of June 1669 of
Thomas Dorman constable of Tops-
field the some of ninetene pounds
thirtene shillings and six pence : be-
ing in full of the rate for the yeare
past. I say reseiued in full acording
to my worrent, by uertue of the
Genarall Courte order by me.

Richard Rusill Treasurer
Rescued the 6th of nouember 1669
of Thomas Dorman Cunstable of
Topsfield for his County rate due in
68 in full three pounds one shiling
and a leauen pence I say reseued by
me.

Robart Paine Treasurer
thes four reseights aboue men-
tioned are true cappies taken and
entered date 27 of September 86.

P Ephraim dorman Clark
Reseued of the Constable of Tops-
field 26 : 1 : p in full of theire Rate
eight pounds fifteene s, and three
pence I say reseued in full of thare
Tounes proportion to the Country
rate-08- 15-03 p me

Richard Russill Treasurer
this is a true Coppy of the treas-
urers reight taken and entered for
Daniell Borman P Ephraim Dorman
recorder for Topsfield. dat 28th:
7 mo : 86.

At a lawfull meeting of the Select-
men of Topsfield the 16th of aprill
1686 in answer to an apointment
from the selectmen of Salem to the
Selectmen of Topsfield : to goe on
the perambulation on the agreement
line acording to a greement betwene
the Toune of Salem and theToune of
Topsfield in answer to it we haue
chosen Lieut John Gould and Corpll

John Houey and Isaac Eastye senr :
this is a true Coppey of the Select-
mens act in answer to Salem mens
apointment as aboue mentioned :
taken an entered by me.

Ephraim Dorman
Recorder for Topsfield
witnes Thomas Baker

At a lawfull Towne meeting 22 of
October 1686.

thare being som gentell men of
Salem villidg as desires to speake
with our Toune : in order to it the
Toune h ue agreed to here what thay
haue to say and to see thare pouer
but not to proseed with them in
disscorse about theare intentions :
but conseder of what thay said when
thay be absent : and send the Touns
mind to them. uoted

At a lawfull Toune meeting the
22 of October 1686.

the Toune haue unanimusly many-
fested thare desiers that mr Capen
would be plesed to prech lecters If
he can with conueniencey and as
often as he pleseth. uoted

Two Rates mad for mr Cappen
bareing dat the 28th of december
1686.

the mony Rate was fiftene pounds
twelue shilings and seauen pence the
other pay Rate was forty two pounds
two shilings and nine pence thay
being alowed on by the Justises
weare commited to our constable
Decn Isaac Comings to gather.

At a lawfull Toune meeting the
25th of Jenuary 1686 or 87.

the Toune haue alowed Cunstable
Comings his bill of charge uiz four
shilings for conueying morris out of
the Toune and three shilings for
forworneing two womin out of the
Toune. uoted

62

and firther thay haue alowed Lieut
Thomas Baker fiue shilings iu siluer
three for the Justises confermation
of our Rates to our menister and
granting a worrent to our Cunstable
to gather them and two shilings for
three days one for goeing Commis-
iener to Salem & two days to the
Justises aboue said. uoted

and firther the Toune consedering
the necesity of the two galleryes to
be set up forth with yt ye select men
haue agreed with Samuell Simons to
set up and Samuell Simons desiered
the Toune to pay him for them or
giue him full power to sell them to
whom he will : the Toune doe agree
to giue the said Simons twenty or
thirty shilings for the Gallires thay
haueing three seats apece in them
and the said Simons hath power to
take the rest of his pay of them that
doe sit in them a cording to former
order: and If the said Simons doe
not exsept of this then he may com
& agree firther with ye Selectmen
that the work may be dun. uoted
also the Toune haue giuen the
Selectmen power to agree with the
said Simons about the galleries as
aboue said. uoted

and firther the Toune haue agreed
that Corpll John Houey shall repaire
the hinde sete of his gallery and the
Toune haue left it to the Selectmen
to agree with him about his cost and
charge and to alow him on the Touns
acount. uoted

firther Captin John How is chosen
to goe to boston to procure ye hon-
ered gouerner bradstreets testimony
in the behalfe of ye toune conserning
our land on the south side of the
reuer. uoted

and the Toune haue left it to the

Selectmen to alow Capt How his
charg on the Touns acount for goeing
to boston as aboue said. uoted

Lieut John Gould doth enter his
contrary desent to the two last uotes
aboue mentioned.

At a lawfull Town meeting the 1
of march 168^ Left Dorman is chosen
dark.

Capt John How and Isaac Easty
senr and Sammuell Howlet Thomas
Dorman and Ephraim dorman are
Chosen selectmen for this vere en-
sewing. uoted

Thomas Pirkins is Chosen Consta-
ble for this preasent yere ensewing.

uoted

John prichet and William Toune
are Chosen seruavers of hi ways for
this yere insewing. uoted

Thomas Toune and Tiramothy pir-
kins Junr are Chosen fence uewer
for this preasen yer insewing, uoted
the Toune haue agred and ordered
that no dam shall be made to stop
the water as sumtiraes runs out of
the mill pond iu to mr Timmothy
pirkins his medow by his barue.

uoted

and further at Samuell Houlets
reques the Toune haue granted to
change land with him that is If he
will lay doune the land by his house
to the Touns use as common thay
will alow him so many akors and
rods of ground by the land and
medow as he the said Samuell bought
of mr Hobart so to be laid out as not
to be preiedishall to the highways.

uoted

and the Toune haue Chose Leiut
Thomas Baker and Capt John How
and Thomas Dorman to lay out the
land to samuell houlet in way of
exchang acording to the aboue men-

63

tioned order. uoted

and the Toune haue granted to
mr william pirkins three quorters of
an aker of land on the norewest side
of that swampy brook Joyneing to
his own land prouided that thos men
being Chose in the behalfe of the
Toune and mr william pirkins doe
agree about it. uoted

Leiut John gould doth enter his
contrary desent to the aboue men-
tioned act.

and the Toune haue chose Leiuteu-
nent Thomas baker and Capt John
How and Sargt Thomas dorman to
agree with mr william perkins about
the three quarters of an aker for the
price and pay and the place whare it
is to be laid out as aboue mentioned
and to lay it out. uoted

and the Toune haue agred to alow
any as shall kill wolues in our Toune
that is to Touns men ten shillings
apece for euery wolfe so killed.

uoted

at a Lawfull Toune meeting the 6t
of aprill 1687.

the Toune haue agreed to Chuse a
commity to seat people or order the
seating of people in those seates as
weare set up by a publick Toune
Charge. uoted

Leiut ffrances peabody Leiut John
Gould and Leiut Thomas Baker En-
signe Jacob Toune and Corporall
John Houey are Chosen to seate
people in the meeting house acording
to the aboue mentioned uote. uoted
also the Toune haue agreed to
send to our neighbors and frinds of
Boxford to Chuse a commity to
Joyne with our Commity for the
seating of people in the meeting
hous as aboue mentioned. uoted
The Toune haue Chosen Corpll

John Houey and Johu Robbison to
run the line betwene Thomas Touns
Land on the south side of the Reuer
and the Touns Common. uoted

At a lawfull meting of the Select-
men of Topsfield ye 20 aprill 1687.

in answer to an apointment of the
Gentellmen of Ipswich to perambu-
lise on the agreement line betwene
Ipswich and Topsfield : in answer to
that we haue chose Lieut Thomas
Baker and Capt John How and John
Prichet.

Ephraim Dorman in the name of
the reste of the selectmen of Tops-
field.

At a lawfull Towne meeting ye 26
sept 1687.

Capt John How is Chosen by the
Toune to prefer thare petesy [on] to
his Exelencey the Gouernor and
Counsell. uoted

at a lawfull Toune meeting 30th of
sept 1687 the Toune did agree that
the answer as was mad by the Toun
to the treasurers warrent as did in-
clude som scruples about it : that
answer the Toune did agree should
be remoued out of the book it being
found to be efensiue to athorytv.

uoted

at a lawfull Toune meeting 31 day
of may 1687.

in answer to the desire of som per-
sons the Toune haue giuen Leborty
for any persons to plant Tobacco on
the common ground for this yere
prouided thay intrude not on any
highwafy], uoted

and the Toune haue agreed that
the fore side of the roofe of the
meeting house shall be mended whare
it is leakey. uoted

The Toune haue confermed the
former Toune act in the Choice ot

64

the Commity for the seating the
people in the meeting house as it is
speasified in the fore mentioned uote.

uoted

Reseued of John Prichet forty
shilings by order of the selectmen
which was due to him from the
Toune for being dabuty this forty
shillings is parte of a best that I
reseued at three pounds ninteene
shillings: dat 18 June 1 68 [7] .

Thomas Baker

Mr Joseph Porters bounds settell-
ed : a whight oack standing by the
east side of apine swamp : and a red
ock on the north side of the swamp
nere dwounills : and aread oack or a
black oack on the northeast side of
the swamp nere wenham Causway.

Mr Beniamen Porters bounds a
whight oack nere John Curtioussis
and a blak stump nere Nickalls his
brook which is said Nickalls his
bounds and a whight oack : and a
whight oack on the south side of the
brook being bartholmues bounds and
nickallsis : and a read oack being
Andrewsis bounds and a whight oack
in the rang towards the whight oack
in Curtioussis field.

a cording to the Tounes order
Leiut Thomas baker Capt How and
Sargt Thomas Dorman haue sould
Mr William Pirkins about three
quorters of an aker of that which
was the Tounes Common being im-
powered by the Toune so to doe and
it is bounded as foloweth it lying on
the norewest of mr william pirkins
his hous by the swampy broock nere
Capt Hows the east corner is a stake
by the brook standing by an elme
tree and a whight oack on the nore
west corner to wards mr Capens and
a stake on the southwest corner nere

Capt Hows barne and with a straight
line "to a stake at the south east cor-
ner nere that bridg oner the brook in
the way to the said Pirkins his house :
the said land was sould to the said
Pirkins for thirty shilings ten of it
in siluer twenty of it in corne.
dat the 8th of nouember 1687.

Thomas Baker
John How
Thomas Dorman
The bounds of the land that we
whos names are under writen haue
laid out to Sargt Sammuell Houlet
by Toune order in way of exchang,
the first bounds is a stake twelue
pole from the fence towards muddy
spring and from thence towards Mr
Capens : to an other stake and
stones : and from thence to an other
stake and stones ner the corner of
Mr Capens field : from thence to a
whight oack tree marked nere the
high way : and from thence to a
black oack marked nere samuell
Houlets pond next the high way
Joyning to his fence.

dat the 8th nouember 1687.

Thomas Baker
Thomas Dorman
John Howr

Reseiued of Ephraim Dorman upon
the Selectmens a count as was due
from the Toune for the defraying the
Justisis Charge when thay came to
take an a count of the Touns estate :
thirtene shilings and three pence iu
siluer 1 say reseiued by me William
Smith. dat 23 december 1687

this is a true Coppye taken afld
entered P me Ephraim Dorman
Recorder for Topsfield.

Leiut Thomas baker paid three
shillings and six pence of that siluer
aboue mentioned to the Selectmen :

and Mr William pirkins paid ten
shilings of it to the Selectmen.

Reseiued of Mr William pirkins
ten shilings in siluer for the land as
he bought of the Toune in the yere
1687 we say reseiued by the Select-
men of Topsfield : which was parte
of the pay for the said land :

Ephraim Dorman in the name of
the rest of the Selectmen of Topsfield
dat 23d decemr 1687.

this is a true Coppye of mr Wil-
liam pirkins his reseight taken and
entered by me Ephraim Dorman
Recorder for Topsfield.

Boston 22d nouember : 1687 Re-
seiued of Thomas pirkins Constable
of the Toune of Topsfield : eighteene
pounds nine shillings and 1 penny in
full for the Cuntry Rate of that
Toune: Reseued for the use of John
Vsher Esqr Treasurer P Mikell
Perrey.

this is a true copy taken and en-
tered by me Ephraim Dorman Re-
corder for Topsfield.
witnes : Elisha Perkins
At a lawfull Toune meeting the 17
of January 168 J.

Leiut John Gould Liut Thomas
Baker Ens Jacob Toune are Chosen
to goe and treet with Doctr John
ffisk about that troble as lately did
arise : by the said fisk his sewing of
our Selectmen of Topsfield ye 12th
of this instant January 168| before
Phillip Nelson Esqr one of his Maies-
tes Justes of pece in the County of
Essix whare by the said Justes gaue
Judgment against the Selectmen for
a rate made in the yere 84 by the
said Selectmen to thares or the
Tounes grat damage to the ualew of
three or four pounds in siluer or
thare abouts the Toune takeing it in

Consideration to preuent firther charg
at law haue giuen full power to the
aboue named men to agree with the
said fisk : or to prosed a cording to
law as thay see good. uoted

and we whose names are under
writen being Chose as aboue men-
tioned ded ingage : If we see cause
to proseed in a corse of law with
Doctr fisk we doe ingage to bare one
quorter parte of what charge may
arise.

Thomas Baker
John Gould
Jacob Towne

This is a true Coppy taken and
entred P me Ephraim Dorman Re-
corder for Topsfield.

Witnes William Howlett
John Smith

At a lawfull meting of the Select
me[nj the 15 th fabruary 168J.

Capt John How is Chosen to prefer
a petesyon to the County Courte next
insewing in the behalf of our Toune
to have our grate bridg maintained
by the County.

At a lawfull Toune metting the 3d
of June 1689.

Leiut Thomas baker was chosen
the Tounes representiue to goe to
the preasent Counsell for safty of
the people and Conseruation of the
peace. To act for the publick good
and welfare and safty of This Col-
lony prohibbiti[ng] any act or thing
that may haue any tendencey to the
infringment of any of our Charter
priuilidgis what so euer. uoted

July 2 1689 at a lawfull yearly
toune meeting for the Choice of
Toune offisers Ensigne dorman is
chosen toune clarke. uoted

Leiut Baker and Leiut gould and
sergt John Houey mr Tobiiah pirkins

66

and Ephraim Dorman are Chosen
selectmen for this yere to order the
prudentialls for the good of the
Toune for this yere ensewing the
alionation of land exsepted. uoted
Mr Timmothy Firkins is Chosen
Cunstable for the yere insewing.

uoted

Ens Jacob Toune and Jacob Pea-
body is Chosen serueiers for this
yere. uoted

the Toune haue mannifested by uote
that the serueiers shall take the Care
of all the bridgis in the Toune. uoted
Corpll danniell Ridington and Eph-
raim Wilds are Chosen fence uewers
for this yere. uoted

At a lawfull Toune meting the 21 1
of sept 1689, by uertue of a worrant
from maior appleton for Jurymen to
sarue at the next County Court to be
houlden at Ipswich on the last tus-
day of this instant September, Capt
John How is Chosen to sarue on the
Jury of trial Is. uoted

and John prichet is Chosen grand
Juryman. uoted

at a lawfull Toune meeting the
30th of October 1689.

Sargt Isaac Easty senr is Chosen
Commissioner to Joyne with the
selectmen to take an acount of the
Tounes estat and to conuey it to mr
John Phillips Treasurer. uoted

Reseuied of mr William Pirkins an
acount of seauentene shilings in
worke which he did for the Toune I
say reseiued by us selectmen of
Topsfield dat ye 20th march 168|.

Samuell Houlet in the
name of the rest of ye selectmen of
Topsfield.

This is a true coppy taken and
entered P Ephraim Dorman Recorder
for Topsfield.

Creadit

an aCount of what is due to the
Toune from Leiut Thomas Baker and
Capt John How and Ens Jacob
Toune for what thav recouered of
men by setelling of thare bounds by
agreement or other ways in the be-
half of the Toune as thay weare
impowered.

due to the Toune for what thay
reseiued of Corpll Thomas perly
twelue shillings half mony. due to the
Toune for what thay reseued of John
prichet two pound fifteene shillings.
Leiut baker reseued the whole,
due to the Toune for what they
reseiued of mr Timmothy pirkins,
one pound fiue shillings and six
pence, ten shilling and six pence
siluer.

due to the Tou[n]e for what Leiut
Thomas Baker and Capt How and
Ens Jacob Toune reseiued of the
parters which is due to the Toune in
siluer for thar conferming the bounds
of thar lands. 10-00-00

1 0 : fabru : 8 J. rec with with all as
are here conserned and all acounts
clerd with all exsept Ens Jacob
Toune.

15 : fabru : 8J. Rec with Ens Jacob
Toune and due to the Toune in siluer
one pound four shillings and eight
pence. 01 04-08

and in pay fiue shillings 00-05-00
15: fabru: 8J. upon arecconing
betwene Ens Jacob Toune and Leiut
Baker the said Leiut baker ownes
himselfe indebted to the Toune in
pay eightene pence. 00-01-06

and in siluer three shillings 00-03-00
22 March 9£. Rec with ye Leiut
Baker upon ye acount of his goeing
Representitiue from ye beging of ye
world to this day and ye said Baker

67

set of twenty shilings of what he
owed ye Towne for what he and Capt
How and Ens Towne reseued of
Joseph pntman for confirming his
grants of land and yit there remaines
due to him one pound two shiling
and six pence. 01-02-06

and Leiut Baker ows ye Towne yit
upon ye confirmasion of said put-
mans land for what he reseued of
said putman in pay as siluer one
pound ten shilings. 01-10-00

and ye aboue said How and Towne
doth yit owe there proportion to ye
Towne upon ye aboue said acount.

Rec ye 14th of October 1695 with
Leiut Baker and all acounts clerd
upon all acounts betwene ye Towne
and mr Baker exsept the charge at
nubary Court ye last September : and
thare remaines due to ye Towne one
pound ten shilings as siluer upon ye
acount of what he reseued for mr
Joseph putman.

The Touns debts paid as foloweth.
payd to Leiut Thomas baker for
haueing the rates confermed by the
Justisis four shillings two in mony
and two in pay. 00-04-00

payd to Leiuetenent Thomas Baker
for goeing deabutye in pay 02-00-00
payd to Leiut Thomas Baker by
Capt How on the Tounes acount for
haueing the aboue mentioned rates
confermed by the Justisis in mony.

00-02-00

payd to Corpll smith by the hand of
the selectmen to pay the Justisis
exspence by Leiut Thomas Baker in
siluer. 00-03-06

paid to Lieut Thomas Baker and
Capt How and John prichet for per-
ambuliting with Ipswich men on the
a gremen line nine shilling in pay
and leiut Thomas baker doth in iage

to pay John pricet thre shillings it
was for the loss of two days apece.

00 09-00

payd to Capt How ten shillings
seauen in siluer and three in pay for
goeing to boston to procure the hon-
ered Gouerner Brodstrets Testimony
two shillings of this siluer was payd
to said How by Ens Jacob Toune.

00-08-00

00-02-00

10 : fab : 8J paid to the Selectmen
and thare orders in the behalfe of
the Toune by Capt How two pound
fourtene shillings and eight pence
in siluer. 02-14-08

10 : fab : 8-J. Rec in the behalfe of
the Touue with Capt How upon
mony acount and all acounts Clerd
from the begiuing of the world to
this day fiften shillings of the aboue
mentioned siluer as the selectmen
reseued of Capt How seauen shillings
of it was paid Leiut gould. 00-07-00
and fiue penc (shillings) to Corpll
smith and three to sargt Thomas
Dorman to pay Cort Charg about
widdow fisk. 00-10-06

Leiut baker paid Corpll smith two
and six pence as it is tigered of the
aboue mentioned. *

10 : fab : 8|. Leiut Thomas Baker
payd ninetene s and two pence of
Cort Charg a bout widvlow fisk in
siluer. 00-19-02

10 : fab : 8|. Leiut Thomas Baker
paid to the Selectmen in siluer two
pound seauen shilling and six pence.

10 :,fab : 8J. Rec with Leiut Thomas
Baker in the behalfe of the Toune
and all acounts clerd upon mony
acount from the begining of the
world to this day.

10 : fab : 8J. paid to leuetent :
Thomas baker and sargt Thomas

dorman and Capt John How for lay-
ing out sargt sarauell Houlets land
and mr William pirkins his land
eighteue pence a pece. 00-04-06

10: fab : 8J. Ilec with Capt How
in the Tounes be half on pay acount
and due in pay to him. 00-04-06

10: fab: Recconed with Leiut

Thomas baker in the Touns behalf
and all acounts clerd and due to the
Toune in pay nine shillings 00-09-00
and he paid it as foloweth.
to mr Tobiiah pirkins for going to
salem in pay. 00-03-00

10 : fab : 8|. Leiut Baker was or-
dered to pay mr Tobiiah pirkins 3s
and sargt Thomas dorman eightene
pence and Capt How four and six
pence and Ephraim dorman two shil-
ings for goeing to bradford. 00-02-00
and all acounts clerd with all aboue
mentioned exsept Ens Jacob Toune
and mr william pirkins, and we find
Ens Jacob Toune paid in Cort charg
and siluer. 02-02-00

Capt How was alowed for Cort
charg and for prefering the Tounes
petesion to the gouerner in siluer and
pay and he was payed. 00-14-06
Leiut Thomas baker Constable was
alowed by the selectmen in the yere
89 three shilling in siluer as the rates
fell shorte. 00-03-00

5th Janu : 9^. Leiut Baker paid to
Ephraim Dorman thirty shilings
siluer. 01-10-00

it was dun by order of ye Towne
treasurer 24 shiling was of what ye
Towne owed to capt How and he
owed it to Ephraim Dorman and ye
other six shilings was owing to Eph-
raim Dorman in a towne rate all
which was ordered by ye Towne
treasurer aud Capt How.

Reseiued of Thomas Pirkins Con-

stable of Topsfield in graine and
transportation and fiue pounds paid
ye selectmen of Topsfield which
weare alowed them by seations of
the peace ye 14th of march 1688 I
say in the whole nine pounds foure
shills six pence happenny and is the
Toune of Topsfields proportion to
the County rate for essix. I say
reseiued by me John Higgison treas-
urer for Essix.

Salem date 17th aprill 1688.
this is a true Coppy taken and
entred by me Ephraim Dorman Re-
corder for Topsfield.

Boston may the 13th 1686 Reseiu-
ed of Elisha pirkins Constable of
Topsfield the som of three pounds
and fiftene shillings in mony which
with seauen pounds rate pay : payd
to Capt Clap by order or mony to
his satisfaction and other discounts
for troppers etc: is in full for all
rates due to the Cuntry from that
Toune for the yere 1685 I say re-
scued in full by Samuell Nowell
Treasurer.

this is a true Coppy taken and
entred by me Ephraim Dorman Re-
corder for Topsfield.

21 of may 1688 at a lawfull Toune
meeting by order of the gouerner and
Counsell Leiut Thomas Baker is
Chosen Constable for this yere till
an other be sworne in the roome.

uoted

sargent Easty and sargent Thomas
Dorman and Sargent samuell Houlet
and William Auerill senr and Mr
William pirkins and Corpll Daniell
Ridingtun are Chosen select men for
this yere. uoted

and Mr Tobiiah pirkins is Chosen
Commisyoner for this yere. uoted
Boston 27 Nouember 1688 Reseued

of mi John Harris on a count of
Thomas Baker Constable of the
Toune of Topsfield ninetene pounds
four shilings and three pence in full
for the Cuntry rate of that Toune
for John Vsher esqr, Treasurer P
Mickell Perry. £19-4-3

This is a true coppy taken and
entred by me Ephraim Dorman
Recorder for Topsfield.

At a lawfull Toune meeting the
14 of gennuarv 1689 : 90.

Capt John How and father John
Wilds are chosen and impowered to
gather up all the a reares of mens
proportions to mr Capens saliry ex-
septing those as weare Commited to
Corll William smith aud if any man
refuse to pay we giue them full
power to prosicute such delinckyents
a cording to law at Courte and from
Courte to Courte till thay recouer
them exsept the Toune sees Just
cause to the Contrary. uoted

Whareas thare was a Toune rate
made and deliuered to Lieut Thomas
Baker when he was Constable in sir
Edmon Andreus his time : and his
power as Constable seased before he
had gathered up the Rate and the
said Baker desired power from the
Toune to finnish his work in gather-
ing up the rate: The Tou[n]e doth
thare fore giue the said Baker pour
to goe on with his worke as the law
doth direct him. uoted

ye Toune haue agreed that our
yearelv Toune meeting shall be on
the first tuseday in march as for-
merly. uoted

At a lawfull Toune meeting the 7
may 1689 the Toune hath manifested
by uote that thay are willing to
Chuse a man a cording to order from
the Honered Counsell, (the above

vote was blotted out with ink and in
the margin the following words writ-
ten) thes three lines weare mended
by uote.

At a lawfull meeting of the free
men and free houlders and souldiers
of Topsfield the 7 may 89 thay haue
by uote vnanimosly declared that
thay are wiling to Chuse a man to
goe to boston to Joyne aduise and
Consult with the Counsell of safty
about reasumeing the former gouer-
ment and act acording to Charter
preuelidgis the gouerment set up by
the Cnoyee of the free men in 86.

uoted

Leiut Thomas Baker is Chosen as
a boue mentioned. uoted

At a lawfull Toune meeting ye
14th of gennuary 1689 or 90 upon
information of some discontent
among some of our neighbours and
frinds of Boxford about seates in
the meeting house. The Toune haue
agreed to chuse a commity to treete
with Boxford or a commity in thare
Touns behalfe : to understand thare
agreuences : aud also we giue our
Commity full power to seate people
of our Toune and of thare Toune to
content a cording to agreement as
nere as may be that peace and loue
may be continnued betwene the
Touns. uoted

Leiut John Gould aud Leiut
Thomas Baker and Ens Jacob Toune
and sargt Isaac Easty and sargt
John Houey are Chosen a Commity
as aboue speasified. uoted

At a lawfull Toune meeting the
4th of feabruary 1689-90.

the Toune haue agreed to Chuse a
man to Joyne with the Constable to
gather the rates as is due to the
Toune from Edward Nearland, uoted

70

4

Leiuet Thomas Baker is Chosen to
Joyne with the Constable as aboue
speasified. uoted

At a generall Towne meeting hild
ye 4 of march 1689 or 90.

Ensigne Ephram Dorman is Chosen
Towne Clarke for ye yeare insueing.

Ens Jacob Toune is Chosen Cun-
stable for this yere. uoted

Corpll Danniell Ridington and
Thomas Firkins sargt Thomas Dor-
man and sargt saramuell Houlet and
Corpll samuell standly are Chosen
Select men for this vere. uoted

Leiut Thomas Daker [Baker] is
Chosen to serue on the Jury of triall
at the next Court houldeu at Ips-
wich. uoted

sargt John Honey is Chosen graud
Jury man for this yere ensewing.

uoted

Isaac Eastye iunr and Timmothy
Pirkins iunr and Isaac peabody are
Chosen seruaiers of high ways for
this yere. uoted

Elisha pirkins and William Toune
are Chosen fence uewers for this
yere ensewing. uoted

Leiut Thomas Baker Ephraim
Dorman and sargt Houey and Leiut
John gould are Chosen a commity to
reuew the line formerly setteled with
Rowly and now to reuiue it with
Boxford it being the bounds betwene
Topsfield and Boxford. uoted

At a lawfull Toune meeting the 4
march 1689 or 90.

Daniell Borman and sargt John
Houey and William Auerill senr and
Isaac peabody are Chosen a commity
to treet with Ens Jacob Toune and
Leiut Thomas Baker and Capt John
How about what thay haue dun a
bout lands and what they haue pro-
cured for the Toune a cording to

toune order and make returne to the
the Toune. uoted

Corpll John Curtious and Joseph
Toune iunr are Chosen to lay out a
way from the Toune Bridge ouei the
reuer through the woods to the
farmes at blind hole namely the
Nickallsis and thare neighbors, uoted
The Toune hath manifested by
uote that the rates or proportions
that was proportioned by the select-
men (in sir Edmon Andrews his time
of gouerment) here for mr Capen for
his worke in the minnistry and is not
paide to mr Capen the Toune doe
giue power to the selectmen to make
rates for mr Capen tor that time
Crosing all that hath all ready paid
thare proportions to mr Capen. uoted
At a lawfull Toune meeting the 2
day of aprill 1690.

John Toune is Chosen Constable
for the yere insewing. uoted

Leiut Thomas Baker and Capt
John How are Chosen Collectors to
gather up all the areres of what is
due to mr Capen exsepting only
those rates as weare Com mi ted to
mr Timmothy pirkins that is the
areres of mens proportions as thay
weare proportioned to the fullfilling
the the Touns ingagment to mr
Capens yearly saliry. uoted

To preueut damage by rams the
selectmen haue ordered that who soe
euer finds any rams upon the Com-
mon or on ground without fence
from the eight-tenth da}T of august to
the first of nouember any man of
our Toune shall haue power and
leberty to take such rams as a boue
said exsept thay be sofesiently
peched : and cry them and if no
owner apers in twelue days thay are
to prise the ram and alow the Toune

71

the one halfe of the uallew of the
said ram and dliuer it to the select-
men for the Touus use * in good
marchantable pay and then the ram
to be his owne : but if the owner
apers the owner to haue what was to
be alowed to the Toune and the ram
to remaine the finders : and this
order to stand in force in Topsfield
for this yere 12 august 1690. Thom-
as dorman in the name and with the
consent of the rest of the selectmen
of Topsfield.

At a lawfull Toune meeting the
fifth of septem 1690.

Capt John How is Chosen Com-
mistioner to Joyne with the select-
men to take an acount of the Tounes
estat as the law directs. uoted

Mr Zarobabell Endicut is Chosen
to serue on the Jury of triads at
next County Courte houlden at Ips-
wich after the date hereof dat : 5th
sept 1690. uoted

at a lawfull meeting of the free-
men of Topsfield on the 3d day of
nouember 1690 Leiut John Gould
was Chosen deabuty to atend this
preusent seations at the Gennarall
Courte at boston. uoted by papers
this meeting was wornd by the
selectmen.

Charls Toune ye 20th fabruary
1689-90.

Then Reed of mr Timmothy pir-
kius Cunstable of Topsfield twenty
three pounds nine shilings and two
pence in full of the two mony Rates
and halfe of said Toune P John
phillips treaser.

this is a true Coppy taken and
entred by mee

Ephraim Dorman Clark
witnes samuel Howlett Elisha
perkins.

Charles Towue ye 7th may 1690.
Then Reed of mr Timmothy pir-
kins Constable of Topsfield thirty
one pounds as mony and is in full of
the flue Rates of said Towne that
was to be paide in graine P John
Phillips Treasser.

This is a true Coppy taken and
entred by me Ephraim Dorman Re-
corder for Topsfield.
witnes John Towne
Elisha perkins

At a lawfull Toune meeting the 3d
of december 1690.

Daniell Ridingtun is Chosen Clarke
of the writs. uoted

the Toune haue manifested by
uote that thay will pay Leiut Thomas
Baker for goeing representatiue eight
weekes acording to Toune order.

uoted

Topsfield Aprill : 1 1th: 82 reck-
ened with and rescued of Sammuell
Houlet Cunstable for Topsfield on
1678: the full sora of 601b for my
rate for ye yere 78 I say reseued P
me Jaremiah Hobart.

this is a true Coppy taken and
entred P me Ephraim Dorman Re-
corder for Topsfield.

witnes Daniell Redington

Ephraim dorman iunr
At a lawfull meeting of the free-
men of Topsfield the 8th of december
1690.

Leiut John Gould is Chosen deab-
uty for this preasent seations.

at A Lawfull Towne Meeting ye 3
March 1690 or 91.

Ensigne Dorman was Chosen Re-
corder for ye yeare insueing. Voted
Capt John How and mr Tobiiah
Pirkins and Phillip Knight and Jacob
Toune iunr and Ephraim Dorman are
Chosen selectmen for this yere to

72

order the prudensiall afaires of our
Toune the alionation of laud ex-
septed. uoted

Dauniell Clarke is Chosen Con-
stable for this yere ensewing. uoted
Ephraim Wilds and John Eastye
are chosen seruayers for highways
for this veare ensewing. uoted

Mr Capen requesting a peece of
land of the Toune the Toune uoted
that a commit}? should be chosen to
uew the said land and make reporte
to the Toune whether the towne can
conueniently parte with land to mr
capen or not. uoted

Leiut Baker and sargt Houey are
Chosen a commity to uew the land
a boue said : uoted

Corpll Daniell Ridington is Chose
to serue on the Jury of trialls at the
next County Courte to be houlden at
Ipswich. uoted

sargt Houey and Isaac Peabody
and Ephraim Dorman are Chosen a
commity to diuid the land recouered
of som of salem farmes by Leiut
Baber and Capt How and Ens Jacob
Toune the commity are to deuid with
said Baker How and Toune in the
Tounes behalfe and make return of
what land befalls to our Toune.

uoted

at a lawful 1 meeting of ye select-
men of Topsfield the 24 th march
1690 : or 91.

in answer to an apointment of the
selectmen of salem to goe on peram-
bulation on the line betweue salem
and Topsfield the 30 day of this
instant march: 90: 91 we haue
Chosen Capt John How and Ensigne
Toune and Phillip Knight and Wil-
liam Toune to goe as a boue said.

uoted

In Answer to a desire of the gen-

tellmen who are the Selectmen of
Ipswich to meet with som of our
Toune at Leiut Thomas Perlys on
the 25 th if faire if not the 27th of
this instant march: 1690: or 91:
as we think to goe on perambulation
on the line setteled from the said
Perlies to Ipswich riueer and whare
as they desire som settelment further
we know the water by the reuer is
so high it cannot be dun thare fore
for perambulation on the line setteled
we haue shosen Capt How : and
Leiut Thomas Baker Corpll Tobiiah
Pirkins and ephraim dorman as aboue
said. uoted

The 25th marcn 90: or 91 : Leiut
Baker Capt How and mr Tobiiah
Pirkins and Ephraim Dorman did
goe on perambulation with Ipswich
men and straitened the line from the
pond to mr simons his farm with
markes as fcloweth : a whightoakeat
the east eud of mr Bakers Pond :
and from thence to a walnut tree
marked with a T on the south side :
and an I on the north side : next a
little whight oake marked with a T
on the south side and an : 1 : on the
north side : next a whight oake
marked with a T on the south side
and : an : I : on the north side : next
a walnut tree marked with a T on
the south side and an I on the north
side : nextly two oakes standing to
gether a read oake and a blake oake
and the read oake marked with a T
on the south side and an : I : on the
north side : nextly a little read oake
marked with a T on the south side
and an I on the north side : and so
on te the dore post of Jacob foster
iuner his house : and so on to a
whight oake in the said fosters feild :
aud so on to mr Simons his fanne.

At a lawfull Towue meeting ye
30th of march 1691.

whare as thare is a case commins-
ed and to be tried at this next Court
at Ipswich betwene ye Towne and
Edward Neland Leiut Thomas Baker
and mr Timmothy Firkins being in
the behalfe of the Towne: and if
we loose the case now we doe agree
they shall proseed from Court to
Court till they doe recouer the case
though it com to ye Gennarall Courte
and the Tonne will bare them out in
all lawfull suites uoted

We whose names are under writen
being apointed to reuew the line for-
merly setled with Rowly and now to
reuiew it with Boxford : acordingly
we apointed a time and gaue them
notis and Boxford men acordingly
meet with us at Leiut Thomas pear-
lyes on the 22 day of aprill 1691 but
thay refused to goe on perambulation
with us as we profered them by order
from our Towne of Topsfield.
dat 22 of aprill 1691 .

Thomas Baker
John Houey
Ephraim Dorman
At a Court held at Ipswich march
31st 1691. Daniel Ridington being
Chosen Clark of ye writs for ye
Towne of Topsfield is allowed by ye
Court and confirmed in his office.
Copia vera as in Ipswich Court Book
of Reacords as atteste Thomas Wade
Cler[k].

This is a true Coppy taken and
entred p me Ephraim Dorman Re-
corder for Topsfield.

at a lawfull Towne meeting the 22
of may 1691 Sargt Isaac Easty senr.
is chosen grand Juryman for This
yeare. uoted

it is ordered that Leiut Gould and

Capt How be Chosen to and fully
impowered to gather up all that is
behinde of Mr Capens rates or what
is his due for the despencing of the
word of god in Topsfield acording to
Towne agreement with Mr Capen for
two yeares in sir Edman Andreus his
time of gouerraent selectmen being
forbiden in that time to make rates
for minnisters whareby selectmen
then didnot sine them as rates but
only as mens preportions of thare due
to the minnisters which was dun by
the selectmen acording to Towne
agremeut as will apere by Topsfield
Towue Book of records : uoted

Ens Jacob Towne doth enter his
contrary desent to this uote.

It is ordered that the selectmen be
impower to Chuse a commity to
settle a line betwene any of our
friuds that hath land in boxford
Joyneing or bordering upon our
Common as hath bene formerly dun,
and to git what testimouys thare is
to be had to proue the former settle-
ment of a line with Rowly and Tops-
field. uoted

At a lawfull meeting of the select-
men of Topsfield ye 29 of may 1691.
by order from ye Towne we haue
Chosen Leiuet John Gould and Leiut
Thomas Baker Capt John How and
Ens Jacob Towne and Corpll Tobiiah
Pirkins and Ephraim Dorman to git
what testimony thare is to be had to
proue the former settlement of a line
betwene Rowly and Topsfield and
also to renew and establish the
bounds formerly settleed betwene
Topsfield Common and Robbart
Smiths land : and the Commity aboue
named exsepting Lieut Thomas
Baker are impowered to renew and
establish the bounds formerly set-

74

tleed betwene Topsfield Common and
the said Leiut Bakers land as he
bought of Dockr Crosbey and the
maior part of the Commity agreeing
in any act befor mentioned shall be
counted ualued.

Jacob Towne iunr
in the name and by the order of the
selectmen of Topsfield.

At a lawfull towne meeting the
25th of august 1691, Leiut Thomas
Baker was Chosen Commitioner to
Joyne with the selectmen to take an
acount of the Towne estat as the law
direct. noted

at a lawfull towne meeting the 21
Sept 1691. Corpll John french is
Chosen to serue on the Jury of trialls
at the next seations at Ipswich.

uoted

At a lawfull Towne meeting the
22 of december 1691. Leiut Thomas
Baker and Capt John How are
Chosen aturnies in the Towne behalf
to defend and asist the Constables
John Towne and Daniell Clarke
being both consernd in troble relat-
ing to Edward Nearlande contend-
ing with the Towne as to Towneship
and on refuseing paying of his rates
due to our Towne. uoted

At a lawfull Towne meeting the 22
of dec 1691. Capt John How and
Corll Tobiiah Pirkins and Ephraim
Dorman are Chosen Collecters to
gather up the areares of mr Capens
rates or mens proportions due to mr
Capens salliry as was proportioned
in sir Edmon Andreues his time as
weare not commited to Constables to
gather and see them paid to mr
Capen and the Towne will bare them
out in all thare leagall preseeding in
the gathering of them till thay are
gathered. uoted

The yearely meeting.

At a Lawfull meeting of ye Towne
of Topsfeild the i day march 1691-92
it bein theiare Genirall Towne meet-
ing Ensigne Dorman was Chosen
Clerke for ye yeare insueing.

Leiut Thomas Baker sargt Honey
Corpll Tobiiah Pirkins Corpll Rid-
ington Ephraim Dorman are Chosen
selectmen to order the prudentiall
afaires of our Towne for this yeare
ensewing the allionnation of land
only exsepted. uoted

Ephraim Wilds is Chosen Constable
for the yeare ensewing. uoted

Corpll french and John Robison
senr and Joseph Towne iunr the wid-
dows son and Isaac Easty iunr are
Chosen serueyers of highways for
the yeare ensewing uoted.

also Corpll Standly is Chosen ser-
ueyer for the yeare ensewing uoted
Capt How and John Anerill is
Chosen fence uewers for the yeare
ensewing. uoted

at the request of Capt How to the
Towne to setell his bounds of his
land acording to his deed and that
for the conuenyancey of the seting
of his fence he desires som rods of
land may be changed in answer to
his desire the Towne haue Chosen
Leiut gould and Isaac Peabody to
settel his bounds and to chang a few'
rods of land prouided the said How
lays doune as good and as conuenient
euery ways with quantyty and qual-
ity. uoted

and at the request of Corpll french
to ye Towne for the exchang of a
small peece of land only for the
straightiening of his fence in answer
thare unto the Towne haue chosen
Sargt Houlet and old father wilds to
change as aboue said prouided the

75

said french lays doune that which is
as conuenient and for quantyty and
quality. uoted.

in answer to sargt Houeys desire
for the renewing and settelling his
bounds Joyneing to the Common in
answer thare unto ye Towne haue
Chosen Capt How and sargt Thomas
Dorman and Isaac Peabody to renew
and setell bound with sargt Houey
acording to his grant orderd Joyne-
ing to the common. uoted.

Isaac Peabody is Chosen to sarue
on the Jury of triads at the next
Courte houlden at Ipswich. uoted.

at the desire of william smith in
the behalfe of his mother and his
brother Joseph The Towne doth a
quit and discharge them of the par-
senag a quiting them from all ingag-
ments in the leace and takes it in to
thare poseation as it is now in being
only the widdow smith hath the lib-
borty of the hous and orchard till
mickelmas nex for sweping the
meeting house if she seese cause to
stay so long but in case the Towne
sees cause to improue one end of the
house then the said widdow is to
haue the leborty of but one end of
the hous as aboue said. uoted.

At the request of mr Capen ye 7
march 9£ ye selectmen renewed mr
Capens bounds of land : a stake
westward nere Capt IIows : from
thence to a blacke oake northwardly :
from thence to another oak about the
middle of the line and from thence
to an elme eastwardly from thence
to an ash nere mr Pirkins his land :
and from thence to the stake aboue
9aid.

Thomas Baker
Ephraim Dorman
Tobiiah Pirkins

Daniell Ridington
Selectmen.

At a lawfull Towne meeting the
14th march 1691 or 2 it was pro-
pounded to the Towne whether the
Towne would Chuse men to meet
with Ipswich men at thare desire
about a line as thay spake of from
ye mouth of william Houlets Brooke
to the southermost parte of Mi-
Bakers pond ye Towne Consedering
that it was other wise settled and
that the Towne haue gon ou peram-
bulation twice and no longer than
the last yeare [and also that your
select mens owne grants of Topsfield
Towne ship saith nothing of the
mouth of william Houlets brook
neither of the southermost s parte of
the pond, the foregoing is crossed
out in the original ,] tharefor the ye
Towne uoted the neggitiue \hat thay
will not send men. uoted.

Corpll Johu French is Chosen
Commitioner to eary ye nominations
to the sheare Towne : by the free-
men. uoted.

At a lawfull meeting of ye free-
men ye 16th of may 1692.

Leiut Thomas Baker is Chosen
Deabuty for ye next seations of ye
Gennarall Court to be houlden at
Boston.

At a lawfull Towne meeting ye
26th iuly 1692.

The Towne haue Chosen sargt
Thomas Dorman a Commitioner to
Joyne with ye selectmen to take an
acount of the Towns estate person-
all and reall and proseed as ye gen-
narall Courtes act directs. uoted.

At a lawfull Towne meeting ye
20th sept 1692.

Capt John Gould was Chosen to
serue on the Jury of triads at ye next

76

County Court to be houldeu at Ips-
wich. uotecl.

the Towne haue Chosen Corpll
John French to sarue on the grand
Jury at ye next County Court to be
houldeu at Ipswich. uoted.

At a lawfull Towne meeting ye
14th of december 1692.

the Towne did agree to alow John
Toune Constable in a Towne rate
what the selectmen do Judg con-
ueniant for what Josiah wood and
rar Zarobabell Endicut was rated in
the twenty rates as was Commited to
him to gather it being doubtfull
whether it is recouerable or not.

uoted.

and firther the Towne did manui-
fes that the selectmen should order
pay to the men that bult the pound
a cording to bargeu, in a Towne
rate. uoted.

We whose names are under writen
being apointed by the Towne of
Topstield at a genarall Towne meet-
ing the first day of march 1691-92 to
setell bounds betwene Capt John
How and the Towne Common : haue
done it as foloweth : uiz : first we
did run about tiue rod from goodman
Clarks corner bounds to a stake at
the east corner : and from that stake
upon a straight line ranging with an
elme up to a forked wliight oake
tree on the northerly corner of that
land: and from that white oake tree
upon a straight line to the fence as it
now stands and then as the fence
runs downe to a stake and heape of
stones which is a bounds betwene sd
Capt How and daniell Clarke by the
old carte way as witnes our hands
this 4 day march 1691-92.

John Gould senr
Isaac Peabody

Copya uarva atest Ephraim Dor-
man Clark.

At a lawfull Towne meeting by
order of athoryty on the 30th of
december 1692, Ens Jacob Toune is
Chosen to serue on the grand Jury
at Salem and John Prichet and
Corpll John Curtious are Chosen to
serue on the Jury of tryalls at the
Courte of assises to be houlden at
Salem ye 3d day of Jeanuary 1692
or 93.

At a Lawfull Towne meeting of
the Towne of Topsfeild the 7 : day
march 169§.

Ensigne Epkrom Dorman was
chosen Towne Clarke for ye yeare
insueing.

mr William Piikins is Chosen Con-
stable for the yeare ensewing. uoted.

Capt John Gould sargt Thomas
Dorman and sargt Samuell Houlet
Ens Jacob Towne and Corpll John
Gould are Chosen selectmen for the
yeare ensewing. uoted.

Corpll Tobiiah Pirkins is Chosen
Commisioner for asesment for this
yeare. uoted.

Corpll John French is Chosen
Graniury man for this yeare. uoted.

mr Timmothy Pirkins is Chosen to
serue on the Jury of tryalls for the
next Court to be houlden at Ipswich.

uoted.

Sargt Eastye and Thomas Pirkins
are Chosen tithing men for this
yeare. uoted.

Jacob Toune iunr and Beniamen
Bigsbee and Johu Auerill are chosen
serueyars for hye ways for this
yeare. uoted.

Corpll Daniell Ridington and
Elisha Pirkins are Chosen fence uew-
ers for this yeare. uoted.

Sargt John Honey and Daniell

Ridington are Choseu to uew the old
highway from John willds his hous
to mile brook and state it as it may
answer the end acording as it was at
first laid out and firther to lay it out
from Samuell Houllets to William
Houlets. uoted.

Sargt John Houey and Corpll
Daniell Ridington are Chosen to lay
out seauen akers of upland to Eph-
raim Dorman as was formerly grant-
ed to his father Dorman on the
southwest of pye brook as it doth
apere by Ipswich Reckords. uoted.

Sargt Houey and Corpll Daniell
Ridington are Chosen to lay out a
high way for John Androus from his
upland on the north of Ephraim
Dormans laud oner the Brook to the
upland on the west. uoted.

Sargt Samuell Houlet and Isaac
Peabody are Chosen to straigten mr
Timmothy Pirkins his line on the
soutnwest side of his land by the
meeting house which is betwene his
land and the parsonage land and to
leue out as much land as thay take
in to the said Pirkins. uoted.

the 11th march 169§ mr William
Pirkins was sworne Cunstable and
Sargt Isaac Easty was sworne tithing
man and Ephraim Dorman was
sworne Towne Clarke by Capt
Thomas Wade Justis of the peace
and here entered by his order.

In answer to an apointment by the
Selectmen of Ipswich to ye Select-
men of Topsfield to Chuse men to
meete ye gentlemen apointed by
them to renew the bounds betwene
Ipswich and Topsfield as we did
apprehend might be thare meening :
acordingly ye Selectmen apointed
Leiut Thomas Baker and Capt John
How and Ephraim Dorman and

acordingly we here named on ye 20th
day of fabruary 1692 or 3 meet with
ye gentlemen of Ipswich at ye house
of Jacob Fosters and we agreed and
renewed ye bounds from mr Bakers
pond so caled to mr Simonds his
farme so called : and then we aboue
named demanded of ye Gentlemen of
Ipswich to renew the bounds round ye
northeast end of mr Simonds his
farme so caled to the brook whare it
runs out of ye farme acording to
agreement : but thay refused but
presumed to run the line cross the
said farme : though we forewarned
them and protested against thare so
doeing : so we aboue named went
and uewed and renewed the antient
bounds about the northeast end of
ye said farme to ye brook as aboue
said whare we meet with the Gentle-
men of Ipswich as went cross the
farme : and then we uewed the brook
from the farme to the riuer which
was confirmed to be the bounds be-
twene said towns by the Commities
of both Townes when thay settleed
the line that is the brook from the
farme to the reuer.
as witnes our hands.

Thomas Baker
John How
Ephraim Dorman
we whose names are under writen
being apointed by the Towne to lay
out a high way for John andrew for
his use and bennifit : acordingly we
haue dun it : from the west corner
of John Andrew his upland called
the Plump ouer the Brook in the old
way and so through the meadow
which Sargent John Houey Senr
Claimes to be his and so to the nere-
ist place of upland to wards the
northwest :

78

dat 21 march 1692 or 3.

John Honey, Senr
Daniell Ridington
varya Copia atest Ephraim Dor-
man Clark.

Sargt John Houey and Daniell
Ridiugton being apoiuted to lay out
a high way from Sargt Samuell Hou-
lets by John Wilds his house so to
William Houlets brook acordingly
thay haue dun it begining at the cun-
try roode and along on the south side
of Samuell Houlets land and betweue
mr Capens land and the said houlets
land and so on the south side of
muddy spring : so along the old
carte way to John Wilds his land:
and so betwene Corpll French his
house and barne : so along the old
way to the north side of Daniell
Ridingtons bounds by Johu Wilds
his gate and so as the way now lyeth
by ye said Wilds his house and so
along the old way to mile Brook
bridg and still aloug the old way to
William Houlets brook : trees being
marked in sartin places the most of
the way this was taken from thare
owne mouths.

dat 21 march 1692 or 3.
atest Ephraim Dorman Town Clark.

we whose names are under writen
being apointed to lay out seauen
akers of upland to Ephraim Dorman
as was granted to Thomas Dorman
now desesed as aperes by Ipswich
reccords acordingly we haue dun it
on the south west side of Pve brook
and is bounded as foloweth begining
at a stake with a heap of stones at
it nere the said dormans house by his
dam : and so bounded by the brook
and low land or meadow all along up
to John Andrews his meadow which
is the northeast bounds : and then

along by John Andreus his meadow
to a black oake tree marked with a
heape of stones at it which is the
north west bounds and so on a
straight line from the said black
oake to a stake with a hepe of stones
at it nere the parsonage meadow
being bounded on the common on
the south west: and so on a straight
line from the said stake to the stake
by the said dam being bounded on
the common on the southeast.

dat 21 march 1692 or 3.

John Honey Sener
Daniell Ilidington

Wee whos names are under writen
being Chosen by the Towne to
straighten a line for mr Timmothy
Pirkins : on the south side of ye
meeting hous lot and acordingly we
haue dun it : begining at the north
west corner next Pine swamp from a
stake with a heape of stones : runing
southeast upon a straight line to a
little whight oake marked with a
heape of stones at the bottum : and
from thence upon a straight line to a
grate whight oake bending inward to
mr Pirkins land and a heape of stones
at the bottum : and from thence upon
a straight line to a stake with a
heape of stones at it : and so upon a
straight line to the corner stake with
a heape of stones at it the southeast
corner.

dat ye 20 march 1692 or 3.

Samuell Houlet
Isaac Peabody

this is a true Coppy taken and
entered by me Ephraim [Dorman]
Recorder for Topsfield.

At a lawfull Towne meeting of ye
Towne of Topsfield ye 1 of may
1693.

the Towne haue manifested that

79

thay will stand by all thare Consta-
bles in all thare lawfull proseedings
in gathering of rates of Edward
Nearland as was commited to them
to gather of him : ye Constables
names are John Towne and Daniell
Clarke and Ephraim Wilds and mr
William Pirkins : unanimusly uoted.

Leiut Thomas Baker and Capt
John How are Chosen by the Towne
to assist ye Constables in the Townes
behalfe as aboue writen by implead-
ing Edward Nearland and defending
the Townes Right. uoted.

At a lawfull Towne meeting ye 8
of may 1693 Sargt Thomas Dorman
is Chosen Gran Jury man and Sargt
John Houey and John Robison is
Chosen to serue on the Jury of tri-
alls all to serue at ye Grat Court of
asize to be houlden at Ipswich ye 9
of this instant may. uoted.

At the generell Court oct 1 1645
an order conserning Topsfeild for as
much as this court has formerly
granted that ther should be a uilidge
upon Ipswich riuer at or nere a place
called the new medowes and for as
much as certaine of the Inhabitants
of Ipswich who haue farmes emproued
nere there unto and doe desire that a
minester might be setled there to
despence the word to the present
Inhabitants and to such others as
shall place them selues at the said
uillidge whome yet not withstanding
they are noe wayes able in any com-
fortable maner to maintane a min-
ester and to defray other nessasary
charges of the place if with all they
should be Liable to all other rates
and publique Charges of the Towne
of Ipswich this Court doth therefore
herby order that either the whole
Towne of Ipswich shall equily con-

tribute with such other Inhabitants
as haue Lands In or nere the said
uillidge to the maintinance of a min-
ester and all other publique Charges
Incident to such a uillidge or elce
the fore said Inhabitants that haue
Lands nere the said uillidge and
shall contribute to the maintenance
of a minester there and other nes-
sasary charges shall be ffreed from
all maner of rates charges or contri-
butions to the Town of Ipswich for
thir Land or stock In or belonging to
the said uillidge A true Copie of the
Records Ex. Isace Addington Sec
ritary.

Copia uare examined P. P. Steph-
en Suell dark.

A True Copy taken and entered
P. me Ephraim Dorman Towne
Clarke.

At a lawfull Towne meting ye
24th of may 1693 the inhabitence of
Topsfield did unanimusly agree that
who euer of them was chosen deab-
uty or representatiue for the Gen-
narall Court should haue but twelue
shillings pir week continnewing the
whole time of the seation or seations
as thay are chosen for that is two
shillings a day in siluer. uoted.

At a lawfull meeting of ye free
houlders and inhabitence of Tops-
field ye 24 of may 1693 a Cording to
worrent Capt John Gould was Chos-
en representatiue to serue at ye next
Gennarall Courte to be houlden at
Boston part of ye time. uoted.

and Leiut Thomas Baker was
Chosen representatiue as aboue said
to serue the other parte of ye time
taking turns one at a time as thay
agree. uoted.

Ensigne Dorman Capt John How
and Corpl Tobigaah Perkins is Chos-

80

en to drae vp with or nebiors of Ips-
wich fairraes a petititionor request as
thay see Good to ye Generell Court
for ye [Line to be setteled betwene
Ipswich and Topsfield — crossed out in
the original ] satellment of Tops-
field with thos preuilidges granted by
the Genarall Court. uoted.

Capt John How is Chosen to pre-
fer the petesion to the honered Gen-
arall Court as shall be drawen up
and prefered to ye honered Genarall
Court in the behalfe of Topsfield
relating to Genarall Courte Grants
of Topsfields preuelidgis relating to
our Towneship and minnistry. uoted.

At a lawfull meeting of ye free-
houlders of Topsfield ye 1 1 of Sep-
tember 1693.

Capt John Gould is Chosen to
sarue on ye Jury of triads at the
next county Courte to be houlden at
Newbury. uoted.

the Towne hath manifested by
uote that goodwife Nearland should
be Complained of for slandering the
wholl Towne of Topsfield and that
what the selectmen haue ordered to
that end should be prosocuted to
efect. uoted.

The Towne by uote doe declare
that complaint be made at the Court
against Capt Thomas Waue Justis of
ye peace for discorridging of our
Constables and threating of them for
the exsecution of thare ofice in gath-
ering thare rates as a peres both by
his warrents and atachments and ye
selectmen are apointed to doe it
them selues or Chuse men for that
end. uoted.

At a lawfull meeting of the free-
houlders and ye inhabitence of Tops-
field ye 19 of Sept 1693 Leiut Thom-
as Baker is Chosen Deabuty to serue

at ye next Gennarall Court to be
houlden at Boston. uoted.

and it was uoted that he should
goe for twelue shillings per weeke

uoted.

At a lawfull meting of ye free-
houlders of Topsfield ye 24th October
1693 thay did manifest by uote that
ye deabuty should sarue for two
shilings a day at ye seations of ye
Genarell asembly. uoted.

Leiut Thomas Baker was chosen
Deabuty to serue at the next Gen-
arell asembly to be houlden at Bos-
ton. uoted.

At a lawfull meeting of the select-
men of Topsfield ye 28th march
1693.

Corpll Samuell Standly is Chosen
to be a seler of waits and measures
for our Towne till thare is another
Chosen to that office entered by
order of the selectmen. uoted.

Charles Towne 12th iune 1693.

then reseued of Mr Daniell Clarke
Constable of Topsfield ye sume of
two hundred and one pound one shil-
ing and eight pence in full of said
Townes proportion of ye twenty four
Thousen Pound Rate.

I say Reseued by me John Phil-
lips Treasurer.

This is a true copy taken and
entered P me Ephraim Dorman
Towne Clark.

At a Genarall Towne meting the
6th of march 1693 or 4. Ensine Dor-
man is Chosen Clark for the yere in
sueing. uoted.

Corpll Tobiiah Pirkins and Isaac
Peabody and Elisha Pirkins and
Joseph Towne iunr and Ephraim
Dorman are Chosen Selectmen for
ye yeare ensewing. uoted.

Isaac Easty iunr is Chosen Con-

81

stable for ye yeare ensewing. uoted.

Mr Timothy Pirkins senr is chosen
a serueyer for highwayes for this
yeare and Jacob Towne iunr and
John Auerill are likewise chosen
seruayers for ye yeare ensewing.

uoted.

Corpll John Curtious and Sargent
Thomas Dorman and Sargent Dan-
iell Ridington are Chosen fence uew-
ers for ye yeare ensewing. uoted.

Sargt Houey and Daniell Clarke
and Thomas Towne are Chosen
pounders for ye yere ensewing.

uoted.

Sargt Samuell Houlet is Chosen
to kepe the pound. uoted.

Corpll John Gould is Chosen to
serue on ye Jury of trialls at ye next
Court to be houlden at Ipswich.

uoted.

Thomas Pirkins is Chosen Grand
Jury man for this yere. uoted.

Corpll John Gould and Joseph
Easty are Chosen to se that horsis
doth not goe on ye Common con-
trary to law. uoted.

Sargt Thomas Dorman and John
Robison senr are Chosen tithingmen
for this j^ere ensewing. uoted.

Lieut Baker and Capt John How
and Ensigne Jacob Towne and Corpll
Tobiiah Pirkins and Isaac Peabody
are Chosen to run out ye line betwene
Salem and Topsfield acording to
agrement from ye rock caled Crum-
wills Rock and so on to settle ye
bounds as hath not bine settled and
what thay agree upon ye Towne will
stand by. uoted.

Lieut Thomas Baker and Capt
John How and Ens Jacob Towne
are Chosen and Im powered to settle
and run out ye line betwene Wen-
ham and Topsfield and what thay

doe ye Towne will stand by. uoted.

upon ye request of Corpll Tobiiah
Pirkins Capt Gould and Liut Baker
are Chosen to renew ye bunds of ye
lots on ye south sid of ye reuer next
ye Cow Common betwene ye Cow
Common and Mr Porters land.

uoted.

The Town haue agreed that Good-
man Louewell School Master shall
liue in ye Parsonage house this yeare
ensewing to kepe schole and swepe
ye meeting house. uoted.

ye Towne haue agreed that upon
the request of sauerall young men
that thay shall haue libberty to set
up seates upon ye beames of ye
meeting house on thare owne cost
and charg. uoted.

ye Towne haue agreed that If any
of our Towne see cause to set up a
galliry at ye east end of ye meeting
hous for wimmin and maids at thare
owne cost and charg and not to
darken the windows thay may and
haue liberty to build it. uoted.

the towne haue agreed that if any
maids doe agree to raise the backe
seat at ye east end of ye meeting
hous and the backe seate at ye west
end of ye meeting hous at thare
owne cost and charg thay haue
leborty. uoted.

ye Selectmen haueing a worrent
for a county rate and thare being
sura scruples about it : thay desires
the Towns aduice whare upon the
Towne doe aduise to sospend it for
the preasent and thay will bare them
harmeles. uoted.

Know all men by thes preasence
and to whom it my conserne that
whare as Ephraim Dorman of Tops-
field and John Andrus of Boxford in
ye County of Essix in Newingland

$2

hatie upland and meadow a Joyneing
together within ye bounds of Tops-
field ye upland upon ye Pine Plaine
ye meadow lying in a meadow com-
monly called Theofilus Swachills
meadow on both sids of Pye brook
and by a mutuall agreement together
for settlement of bounds betwene us
to remaine to us and our heirs and
asigns for euer : haue agreed as fol-
oweth : ye east diuisionall bounds
betwene ye aboue said parties of ye
upland is a heape of stones nere the
path leading to Ipswich farmes a
Joyneing to ye Common ; and then
runing westwardly on a straight line
to a stump with a heape of stones
lying to it nere ye meadow : and then
ye line runing norwestward to a
stake standing in ye meadow nere ye
upland in ye corner of ye fence as it
now standeth : and then from that
stake southwestwardly on a straight
line to another stake nere the upland
which is Topsfleld common : the said
Andrusis land lying on ye north :
and the said Dormans land lying on
ye south all along: and also four
akers of meadow which was sould
formerly by Thomas Dorman de-
sesed : and now in ye posesion of
John Andreus lying in the south-
wardly corner of ye said theofilus
swachills meadow so called : we ye
aboue said Dorman and Andrus haue
settled the bounds of it as followeth :
to remaine for euer : which are as
foloweth : begining at a stake next
ye upland a Joyneing to Topsfleld
Common and then runing northeast-
wardly to a stake in ye meadow
about seauen rods from a row of
springs : and from that stake south-
east twenty rods and a halfe to
another stake standing in a row of

springs : and then as ye row of
springs run to a stake standing at ye
nereist corner of ye upland south-
westwardly : and then bounded by
ye upland to ye first stake spoken of
in ye four akers of meadow and then
ye said Dormans meadow a Jovneinsr
to ye four akers aboue said on euery
side till it comes to ye upland : dated
ye seacond day of January one
thousend six hundred ninety three
foure : and in ye fift yeare of thare
Maiasties Reigne : in confermation
hereof we haue set to our hands and
seales : signed sealed in ye preasents
of us witnessis.

John How senr Ephraim Dorman
John Peabody sen r John Andrus
John Honey senr

Copia Vare atest Ephraim Dor-
man Towne Clarke.

and entered with ye conseut of ye
Towne.

we conserued in conformasion to
all aboue writen haue set two our
hands.

Ephraim Dorman senr
John Andrew

to the truth of all aboue righten I
doe testify as witnes.

John How
John Pebodv senr

Topsfield ye 17 march 169J: we
whose names are under subscribed
being Chosen by ye Touue to meas-
ure ye breadth of Mr William Pirkius
senr lot it being ten rods broad : and
Daniell Clarks two lots twenty rods
broade Decn Thomas Houlets lot
twenty two rods broad : Isaac Com-
ings senr one lot fiuetene rods broad :
bounded norwest on ye Cow Com-
mon northeaste on ye Reuer mead-
ows south east upon ye land ondi-
uided as ye lotlayers left it and on ye

southwest by ye land of mr Joseph
Porters.

John Gould senr
Thomas Baker

Copia Vare atest Ephraim Dor-
man Towne Clarke.

At a lawfull meeting of ye Towne
of Topsfield ye 23 day of march
1693 or 4.

Corpll Samuell Standly is Chosen
Gran Juryman for ye next seations
at Ipswich on ye last tuseday of this
instant. uoted.

John Prichit is Chosen to sarue on
ye Jury of triads at ye next Seations
to be houlden at Ipswich on ye last
tuseday of this instant march, uoted.

The Selectmen of Topsfield being
desired to renew and state a horse
way from ye roode as lyeth by old
father Wilds his house to goe along
by ye mill : acordingly we met on ye
26th day of march 1694 : and agreed
and renewed and stated ye old way
from ye Rode aboue said with ye
consent of old father Wilds and mr
Timothy Pirkins : from thare diuis-
ionall bounds by ye said rode alow-
ing two rods in breadth ye one halfe
on old father Wilds his land and ye
other halfe on ye said Pirkins his
land as thare line runeth towards
the north west alowing ye same
breadth on both sids ye line till it
corns to an apple tree by ye line
eight rods short of ye bound tree as
is that tree as is ye bounds betwene
Leiut Baker and mr Timothy Pirkins
and Widdow Auerills lands : and
then on a straight line northwardly
through ye west corner of said Pir-
kins his land : and so through ye
eastwardly corner of ye said Auer-
ills feild a Joyneing ; that ye east
side of ye way whare it leues ye said

auerill improued land being two rods
from ye said Pirkins his line whare a
gat now standeth : and so as ye
beaten path is along by the south
side of ye mill to ye common hould-
ing ye same breadth that carts may
pass if need bee.

Tobiiah Pirkins
Isaac Peabody
Ephraim Dorman
Selectmen of Topsfield.
Copya Vare atest Ephraim Dorman
Towne Clarke.

At a lawfull meeting of ye Select-
men of Topsfield ye 3 of Aprill 1694.

in answer to an apointment of ye
Gentlemen of Salem to goe on per-
ambulation betwene Salem and Tops-
field we haue Chosen Leiut Thomas
Baker and Capt John How and Ens
Jacob Towne and Corpll Tobiiah
Pirkins and Isaac Peabody to mete
ye Gentelemen of Salem at time and
place to efect that worke acordiug to
thare apointment. Ephraim Dor-
man in ye name of ye rest of ye
selectmen of Topsfield.

ye Selectmen haue agreed and
Chosen Ephraim Dorman and Elisha
Pirkins to renew bounds betwene the
Common and mr Baker his farme in
Boxford and also to stat a highway
beyond Capt Goulds hous through
his meadow.

this 12th of march 1693 or 4 we
whos names are under writen being
chosen by ye Towne to renew or
settle bounds with sargt Houey, we
went to his house and desired him to
show us his Bounds next Topsfield
Common : ye wich he could shew us
none : but tould us that he must goe
to ye west end of John Andrews his
meadow : but could not shew us any
bounds thare : and we finding a tree

84

marked with sora stones at it nere ye
brook on ye nortbside of ye brook :
ye which is said to be ye corner
bounds of lumkins farme : we haue
renewed that bounds : and that he
shall run from that tree northwest to
a little tree by ye meadowside : and
so to ye brook and then ye brook to
be ye bounds till it come at mr
Bakers meadow : this is all we haue
dun only we worned Sargt Houey to
make no improuement any firther
nex ye common then to that bounds
and so ye brook as aboue said.

John How
Thomas Dorman
Isaac Peabody

Copia Vare atest Ephraim Dor-
man Towne Clarke.

At a lawfull meeting of ye Select-
men of Topstield ye 2 day of may
1694 in answer to an apointment
under ye hand of Leiut Corlonall
Thomas Wade Justis of ye peace for
ve renewing of ye line betwene Ips-
wich and Topsfield in answer thare
unto we haue apointed Leiut Pea-
body and Leiut Thomas Baker and
Capt John How and Isaac Peabody
to answer ye apointement at time
and place and ye maior parte of our
men agreeing shall stand.

Ephraim Dorman in ye name of ye
rest of ye selectmen of Topsfield.

at a lawfull meeting of ye Select-
men of Topsfield ye 2 day of may
1694. Corpll Tobiiah Pirkins and
Isaac Peabody weare chosen to state
a high way from Thomas Perkins his
house along b}T Sargt Daniell Rid-
ingtuns to ye Cuntry roade by old
father wilds his house. uoted.

At a lawfull Towne meeting ye
llth of may 1694.

whare as the inhabitence of Salem

Villidg lays Claime to our land on ye
south side of ye reuer and haue com-
minsed a suit against Corpll John
Curtious on that a count : ye Towne
haue agreed to stand by Corpll John
Curtious in ye defence of his and ye
Townes right. uoted.

Leiut Thomas Baker and Capt
John How are Chosen to defend
Corpll Curtious and the Towns Right
on ye south sid of ye reuer against
the Claims of ye inhabitence of
Salem Vilidg till ye cause be is-
shewed. uoted.

The Towne did declare by uote
not to send a deabuty to ye Gennar-
all Court next to be held at Boston —
not knowing but thay might be exs-
cused by law Capt Gould and Eph-
raim Dorman desents as to that uote
and also Daniell Borman.

ye Toune by uote doe declare that
Sargt Houeys fence on ye south side
of ye Brook called Pye Brook shall
be pulled up from time to time untill
sargt Houey can proue whare his
bounds be next ye common. uoted.

Ephraim Dorman with Leiut Baker
is chosen to renew leiut Bakers
Bounds next ye common by ye said
dormans house. uoted.

it was uoted that Sargt Houeys
fence aboue said shall stand till ye
middle of next June acd If he can
make out his title to ye satisfaction
of ye Selectmen and ye commity con-
sernd and if he cannot or doth not
ye commity consernd haue pouer to
pull doune his fence and ye Towne
will stand by them. uoted.

Elisha Pirkins and Ephraim Dor-
man being apointed to state a carte
way through Capt Goulds meadow
and ouer ye fishing brook so caled :
thare being a way ordered from ye

85

meeting house to mr Endicuts farme :
and ye way not being stated ouer
ye said brook and through ye mead-
ow aboue said we haue stated it as
foloweth : we began on ye west side
of ye said meadow and marked too
young red oaks with heapes of stones
at them being about a rod a parte :
and we stated ye way to hould ye
same breadth along ye old carte way
baring half a rod from ye senter of
ye old way to ye right and left till
it coins about four rods of ye foot of
ye horse bridg : and then to inlarge
to ye left to include the horse way
now in being to ye bridg and also to
include ye bridg: and then we alow
liberty from ye foot of ye horse
bridg on ye east side of ye brook till
it corns about one rod and a halfe
from ye bridg and then it is stated
one rod in breadth along ye old way
as it is stated on ye other side : thare
being a cherry tree marked with a
heape of stones at it : and on ye left
sid a stake and a heape of stones at
it both on ye side of ye upland on
ye east side of ye meadow.

Elisha pirkins
Ephraim Dorman

Copia uare atest Ephraim Dorman
Towne Clarke for Topsfield.

At a lawfull meeting of ye free-
houlders and other inhabitence al-
owed by law ye 4th of iune 1694
Leiut 13aker was Chosen representa-
tiue to sarue at this Gennarall Court
now houlden at Boston. noted.

Leiut Baker being presant did de-
clare himselfe onwilling to goe.

At a lawfull Towne meting ye 25
of iuly 1694.

Sargt Daniell Ridington and sargt
John Houey and sargt Samuel Hou-
let are Chosen asesers acording to

ye Treasurers worrent for our
Towne. uoted.

The said asesors sargt Houey and
sargt Houlet and sargt Ridington
were sworne to thare faithfull dis-
charge of thare duty as the Court act
directs by me Ephraim Dorman
Towne Clarke ye 28th of iuly 1694.

we whose names are under writen
by order of ye Towne went to Sargt
Houeys house and he not being at
whome we red our order to his wife
and sun Luke and then his son went
with us : and we Puled up eight
lengths of fence and declared we did
it by order of ye Towne : and then
before we weare gone came sargt
Houey : and we shewed him what we
had dun : ye fence wee puled up
stood on ye Towne Common on that
side of ye brook next long hill this
we did on ye 13th of iuly 1694.

John How
Thomas Dorman
Isaac Pabody

Copia Vare atest Ephraim Dor-
man Towne Clarke for Topsfield.

At a lawfull meeting of ye free-
houlders of Topsfield and others
alowed by law ye 7th of September
1694 Thomas Pirkins is chosen grand
Juryman to sarue at ye next Court
houlden at Nubary the last tuesday
of this instant : and Capt John How
and sargt Samuell Houlet are Chosen
to sarue on ye Jury of triads at the
Court aboue said. uoted.

Sargt Houlet propounded for a
draine crose the way from his field
to mr Capens meadow and ye said
Houlet ingaged to make a bridg ouer
it and kep it in repaire at his owne
cost and charg : the inhabitence here
preasent did mannifest thare free
consent. uoted.

86

At a lawfull Towne meting ye 10th
of October 1694. ye Towne being
worned by ye Selectmen to Chuse a
Towne Treasurer the Towne finding
he should be chosen when ye other
offisers are Chosen and thare being
but a small aperence the Towne did
manifest by uote to sospend it for ye
preasent. uoted.

The Towne did agree to isshew
the deference betweue ye Towne and
Sargt Houey about Sargt Houeys
claimes of land in a course of law.

uoted.

and ye Towne did Chuse Capt
How and Isaac Peabody and Corpll
Tobiiah Pirkius to proseed with
Sargt Houey in a corse of law in
ye behalfe of ye Towne for ye re-
couering of ye laud as he claimes
which ye Towne aprehends to be
thare common : or to chuse an aturny
for yt end. uoted.

The Towne did alow of Leiue
Bakers bills of charg giuen in to ye
Selectmen for his serueing Dabuty
and ten shilings for his exspence at
nubary and for copyyes of Records.

uoted.

and also ye Towne alows Capt
Hows bills of charg sixtene shilings
for atending at boston and nubary
courte. uoted.

and the Tonne did agree to alow
Corpll Curtious eight shilings for
atending att Salem Courte all these
bill ware giuen to ye selectmen in ye
yeare 1694 and ware alowed and
uoted.

Nathniell Auerill desents as to
alow ye said Curtious his charg.

The Towne did manifest by uote
that our dabuty Leiut Baker should
prefer a petesion to ye Honered Gen-
arall Court in this instant October

that Salem should run out ye deues-
ionall line acording to agrement.

uoted.

We whose names are under writen
being apointea by ye Towne to
diuid a parsed of land with Leiut
Thomas Baker and Ens Jacob
Towne and C — John How it being
yt land which was in contreuersy
formerly with Capt John Putnam we
did meet upon ye 16th day of
nouember 1694 and deuided ye land
and The Towne made choyce of yt
part yt Joynes to ye grat ashing
swamp for thare share and ye aboue
said Baker Towne and How haue ye
other parte joyneing to Phillip Knite
and others : ye diuisionall bounds
betwene ye Towne Common and ye
said Baker Towne and How : is
about seauenty rods from a walnut
tree nere John Nickols iunr begins at
a white oake marked with stones at
it and from thence on a straight line
to an oylenut tree which is Isaac
Burtons tree marked and so joyneing
to Salem Line this being our mutuall
agrement as witnes our hands this
16th of nouember 1694.

Ephraim Dorman Thomas Baker

Isaac Pabody John How

Jacob Towne

Copia Vare atest Ephraim Dor-
man Towne Clark for Topsfield.

The 29 day of may 1694 ye select-
men stated a way from Thomas Pir-
kins his house to ye roade to old
father Wilds his house : we stated
ye rode from said Pirkins his hous :
bareing two rods in breadth : ye old
beten way now in being being ye
senter of ye way till we com to mr
Bradstreets land whare a gate now
standeth and then on ye noitheast
side of ye gate we marked a white

87

oake on ye eastwardly side of ye way
in mr Bradstreets land by ye gate :
* and so along to mr Bradstreets
bound tree : by cow pen brook so
called : being ou ye eastwardly side
of ye way : and a red oake marked
on ye other side against it : being
about two rods asunder : ye way
bareing ye same breadth all along :
and then turneing to ye old ford ouer
ye said brook : then betwene a fence
on ye right : and a whight oake tree
marked on ye left by ye northwest
side of ye ford so by ye said fence
till it corns to a popler tree marked
by ye fence then turneing to ye left
in to ye old beten rode and so ye
beten rode being ye senter a red
oake tree marked on ye left on ye
hill : and then against sargt Riding-
tuns house leuing ye old way to ye
right thare being a walnut tree marked
on ye left side of ye way : and so on a
straight line by ye west corner of
sargt Ridingtons barne to ye old way
as leads to ye Cuntry rode by father
Wilds his hous : bareing ye full
breadth all along.

Ephraim Dorman
Isaac Peabody
Elisha Pirkins

Selectmen of Topsfield.

Copia Vare atest Ephraim Dor-
man Towne Clarke for Topsfield.

We whose names are here unto
subscribed being apointed by ye
seaurall Townes to which we belong
uis Topsfield and wenham with full
power to make an alteration of that
part of ye diuisionall Line betwene
our Townes from ye brook at James
Moultens Hand to wards mr Saltin-
stalls meadow we haue agreed as
foloweth : being met to gether this
seauenth day of december an adorn-

ing sixtene hundred and ninety foure
in order to ye completeing of ye
same that whare as in an agreement
betwene Topsfield and Wenham:
Pigdins meadow so called was in-
cluded to belong to Wenham and ye
Hand commonly caled huckelberrey
or Wenham Hand or ye gratest parte
of it was included to belong to Tops-
field : we haue now agreed for an
alteration that ye said Pigdins mead-
ow shall from hence forward belong
to Topsfield and ye Hand commonly
called huckellbarrey or wenham Hand
shall from hence forward belong to
Wenham : and ye bounds that are or
shall be agreed to be ye bounds of
Pigdins meadow till it comes to
Beauerly ditch and then ye said
ditch till it corns to ye Reuer shall
be ye stated bounds betwene our
Towns of Topsfield and Wenham :
and in witnes whereof we haue here
unto sett our hands Interchangably.
Thomas Baker John Numan
John How John Pirkins

for Topsfield Thomas Kimball
for Wenham

Copia vare atest Ephraim Dor-
man Towne Clarke for Topsfield.

At a lawfull Towne meeting ye
18th of december 1694. whareas
sum of Salem lays Claime to mikell
Dwonills land for which ye said
Dwonnill is atached : ye Towne did
manifest that thay would stand by
ye said Dwonill in this case. uoted

Leiut Thomas Baker is Chosen in
ye behalfe of ye Towne to stand by
Mikell Dwonill sen in ye defence of
his lands as is Claimed as aboue
said. uoted

The Towne did mannifest by uote
that all honist debts due from ye
Towne to pirtickquillor men in this

88

yere shall be paid. noted

At a lawfull meeting of ye Towne
of Topsfield ye 8th day ganuerv B194
or 5. ye Towne haue made choyce
of Leiut Thomas Baker to manage
Mikell Dwonill senr his cause against
Salem farmes and to asosiate to him-
selfe whom he will to strengthen ye
cause and to prosicut it from Court
to Court till ye case be ended ye
mening is this case now comminsed
against ye said Dwonill and ye
Towne will bare him out in all his
lawfull proseedings tharein. uoted

John Curtious senr and Joseph
Towne iunr we haue layde out away
from Isaac Burtons to ye Bridg as
foloweth : begin ing at ye said Bur-
tons and so as ye way now goeth to
John Ilobison his land : and then
turning to ve right by a read oake
marked on ye right and a white oake
marked on ye left : and so along as
ye way now goeth ouer ye old ford
and so along as ye beten path now
goeth by Joseph Towns house and
so along ye beten path [* uer] all
trees marked on both sids of ye way
to ye Common : and so along ye
beaten path to ye bridg : we layd it
out two rods wide : Copia Vare atest
Ephraim Dorman Towne Clarke for
Topsfield and entered ye 14 th of
gennuary 1694 or 5.

At a lawfull Towne meting the
5th of march 1 69f .

Ensine Ephraim Dorman was
Chosen Clark for this yere.

The Toune doth manyfest by uote
that thav are willing to eutertaine
our neighbours of Boxford as for-
merly we haue dun and to that end
ye Towne hath giuen libourty to set
up more seates in ye meting hous for
ye entertaining of them. uoted

Isaac Pabody is chosen Cunstable
for this year ensewing. uoted

sargt Thomas Dorman and Corpll
Tobiiah Firkins and Elisha Firkins
and Jacob Towne iunr and Ephraim
Dorman are Chosen selectmen for ye
yeare Ensewing uoted

Corpll Tobiiah Firkins is Chosen
Towne Treasurer for this yeare en-
sewing. uoted

The Towne did mannifest b}’ uote
that no bills of charg should be
allowed by ye selectmen but what
are aprebated by ye Towne. uoted
whare as thare is liborty giuen to
set up seats in ye met ting house : ye
Towne haue agreed that ou re neigh-
bours of Boxford shall haue equill
preuelidg with our selues in seting
up those seates and to inioy them as
our selues : and allso to bye seates
as are set up : and to inioy them
while thay contrebute to our minnis-
trev : and in case thay remoue thay
haue liborty to sell thare seates : only
to such as shall contrebute as aboue
said : and in case thay cannot sell as
aboue said : when thay remoue ye
Towne will alow them ye worth of ye
said seates : and allso to inioy ye
like preuelidg with ourselues as for-
merly answerably to what thay pay :
in these seates as weare set up by
ye Towne. uoted

Capt John How is Chosen to sarue
on ye Jury of triads and Corpll John
french is Chosen gran Jiuryman to
sarue at ye next County Court to be
houlden at Ipswich. uoted

John Nickalls senr and John
Prichet are Chosen tithiugmen for
this yeare ensewing. uoted

Corpll John Gould and mr Tim-
mothy Firkins and Corpll John Cur-
tious are Chosen serueiers for high-

89

ways for this yeare and Daniell
Clarke allso is Chosen sirueyer as
aboue said. uoted

John Cumings and Nathaniel Auer-
ill and Ephraim Wilds are Chosen
fence uewers for this yeare and also
Isaac Burton. uoted

John Kenney and John Auerill are
Chosen to see that ye horsis doth
not goe on ye Common contrary to
law. uoted

Mikell Dwonill senr and William
Smith and Timmothy Pirkins iunr
are Chosen pounders for this yeare

uoted

Sargt Samuel Houlet is Chosen to
kepe the pound for this yeare. uoted
In answer to ye desire of boxford
Towne we haue Chosen Capt John
Gould and Capt John How and Sargt
Samuel! Houlet to treat with ye
selectmen of Boxford or thare Com-
mity to here what thay haue to say
and make report to ye Towne. uoted
The Towne did mauifest by uote
that father Louewell shall in Joy ye
house and orchard for ye yeare en-
sewing on ye same termes as for-
merly. uoted

ye Town haue agreed that Mr
Timmothy Pirkins may make a dam
acros ye swamp at ye south corner
of his field by ye meeting house.

uoted

The Towne by uote haue agreed
that any ram that shall be found on
ye Common any time betwene ye
midle of august till ye last of October
anually it shall be lawfull for any
man to kill any Rams so found and
giue halfe of it to ye pore and to
haue ye rest for his paines. uoted
The 7th of march 1694 or 5 Eph-
raim Dorman tooke ye oath of a
Towne Clark and Corpll Tobiiah

Pirkins took ye oath of a Towne
Treasurer and John Prichet took ye
oath of a Tithingman : and Corpll
John Gould and Corpll John Cur-
tious and Daniell Clarke took ye
oath of sirueyers of high ways and
Nathaniell Auerill and Ephraim
Wilds took ye oath of fence uewers
before ye Honered Collonall Apple-
ton.

At a third sessions of ye Generali
Court of Election hild at Boston ye
15th of October 1650.

In answer to ye Requst of Zacheus
Gould and William Howard in ye
behalfe of Topsfield ye Court doth
grant that Topsfield shall from
henceforth be a Towne : and haue
power within themselues to order all
Ciuill afayers as other Townes haue.

A true Copy as apers of Record,
Examd P Is ; Addington sacry.

Copia Vare atest Ephraim Dor-
man Towne Clark for Topsfield.

At a lawfull meeting of ye select-
men of Topsfield 22 mar. 1694-5.

sargt Thomas Dorman and Corpll
Tobiiah Pirkins and Ephraim Dor-
man are Chosen to renew ye bounds
with Boxford men betwene Tops-
field and Boxford. uoted

At a lawfull Towne meeting by
order of ye Court ye 3 of aprill 1695
Timmothy Pirkins iunr is Chosen
Cunstable for this yere. uoted

Timmoth Pirkins iunr being Chos-
en Cunstable for ye Towne of Tops-
field for ye yere ensewing : apereed
and tooke ye oath proper to that
office aprill ye 5th 1695 before me
Thos Wade Justis of ye Peace.

Copia Vare atest Ephraim Dor-
man Towne Clarke for Topsfield.

Sargt Thomas Dorman and Corpll
Tobiiah Pirkins and Ephraim Dor-

90

man being apointed to goe on pir-
ambulation on ye line betwene Box-
ford and Topsfield and we apointed
to meete them on ye seacond day of
aprill 1695: acordingly we met with
thare Coromity and demanded of
them to renew ye bounds but thav
neglected and sent thare excuse to
our Towne.

John Nickalls senr being chosen
tithingman and John Comings and
Isaac Burten were chosen fence
uewers thay were sworne : Salem ye
9th 1695 before ye Honered Coll
Hathron as apered under his hand.

At a lawfull Towne meeting ye
15th of may 1695.

it is by uote declared yt Leiut
Thomas Baker and Capt John How
shall enter a complaint against L
Nathaniell Putman and & John Put-
man at ye next seuperier Court to
be houlden at Ipswich for that ye
said Putmans had giuen in a fal-
asious and desaightfull testimonies
against Topsfield at ye last Court of
Please hild in Salem to ye grat dam-
age of Topsfield. uoted

Ensine Ephriam Dorman is Chosen
Jueriman to sarue at the next Supe-
rer Court to be holden at Ipswich.

uoted

Corpll Tobiiah Pirkins was Chosen
representitiue to sarue at ye next
Genarall Court of election at boston.

Charls Towne ye 21th January
1692.

then Reseued of rar Ephraim
Wilds Cunstable of Topsfield ye sum
of twenty fiue Pounds four shilings
in bills of creadit in parte of said
Towns last asesment : I say reseued
P John Phillips Treasurer.

Copia vare atest Ephraim Dorman
Towne Clarke for Topsfield.

Charls Towne ye 24th may 1693.
then Reseued of mr Ephraim
Wilds Cunstable of Topsfield ye sum
of thirty eight pounds fiftene shilings
and ten pence in parte of said
Townes last asesment I say reseued
P John Phillips treasurer.

Copia vare atest Ephraim Dorman
Towne Clarke for Topsfield.

Boston may ye 8th 1694 Reseued
of mr Ephraim Wilds Constable of
Topsfield thirtene pounds fiftene
shillings and three pence in parte of
said Towns asesment I say reseued
for mr Jams Tayler Treasurer P Jer.
Allen. £13: 15: 3.

Copia vare atest Ephraim Dorman
Towne Clarke for Topsfield.

Boston fabruary 13th 1694.
Reseued for mr Ephraim Wilds
Cunstable of Topsfield four pounds
two shilings and eleuen pence in full
of said Towns asesment to ye thirty
thousand pound rate I say reseued
for mr James Tayler treasurer.
£4:2:11. P Jare Allen

Copia vare atest Ephraim Dorman
Towne Clarke for Topsfield.

At a lawfull meeting of ye Towne
of Topsfield ye 24 of July 1695.

Capt John How is Chosen Com-
misioner to Joyne with ye Selectmen
to take an acount of ye Towns estat
and to cary it to ye Shere Towne
acording to ye Honered Treasurers
worrent. noted

The Towne haue Chosen Leiut
Thomas Baker and Capt John How
and Sargt Samuell Howlet and Isaac
Peabody and Ephraim Wilds to be a
commity in ye behalfe of Topsfield
to Joyne with ipswich or a commity
in thare Towns behalfe to renew and
settle ye bounds of mr Simonds farme
betwene said farme and Ipswich

91

Common to preuent all firther Troble
at law and what ye maior part of ye
said Commity doth agree about as
aboue said the Towne will stand by
and it shall be a finall determinasion.

uoted

whareas flue men weare Chose ye
6 of march 1693 or 4 to run out ye
line betwene Salem and Topsfield ye
Towne doth giue ye same Commity
uiz Leiut Thomas Baker Capt John
How Ens Jacob Towne and Corpll
Tobiiah Pirkins and Isaac Pabody
power to send two men to uew that
land as ye Towne doth conseue is
our dew : and if ye said Commity or
ye maior parte of them doe conseue
it is well worth ye trying tor : ye
Towne doth giue ye said Commity
full power to petesion to ye next
seasions of ye Generali Court or
Courtes ensewing to haue ye line run
out seeing Salem doth wholy neglect :
and ye Commity haue full power to
proseed in a corse of law with Salem
at Newbary Court or any other Court
and from Court to Court till ye line
be run out acording to agrement and
what ye maior parte of our Commity
doth agree aboute ye Towne will
stand by and bare them out in all
thare lawfull prosedings. uoted

At a lawfull meeting of ye Towne
of Topsfield ye 28th of august 1695
Capt How is chosen and impowered
by ye Towne and in ye Towns be-
halfe to sew any man or men as haue
or shall trespass on our Towne com-
mon by felling timber on ye common
and earning it of to ye Towns dam-
age. uoted

At a lawfull meeting of ye Towne
of Topsfield ye 17th of Spept 1695.

Sargt Thomas Dorman and Eph-
raim Dorman is Chosen to serue at

ye next seation of ye inferyor Court
of pleas to be houlden at Newbary
acording to warent. uoted

At a lawfull meeting of ye Towne
of Topsfeild ye 17th of September
1695.

whareas a summons was directed
to Topsfield Towne Clarke from sum
of Salem farmes in which ye Towne
of Topsfield was summensed to apere
at next court at nubary by thare
agents to answer ye aturnies of
Salem farmes relating to thare
Claims of Topsfield land in answer
to which ye Towne of Topsfield haue
Chosen Leiut Thomas Baker our
aTourny to answer ye said summons
and to defend ye Towns right : use-
ing such legall meathods as he thinks
best and ye Towne will bare him out
in all his lawfull proseedings. uoted

The Commity impowred to sew
Sargt Houey namly Capt How and
Corpll Tobiiah Pirkins and Isaac
Pabody haue full power giuen them
by ye Towne to agree with Sargt
Houey about ye land in Controuersy
betwene ye Towne and Sargent
Houey. uoted

The Commity as was impowred to
agree with Sargent Houey in ye
Towns behalfe about ye land in
controuersy haue agreed as foloweth
That ye bounds on ye west side of
ye brooke of sargnt Houeys land
next Topsfield common are as folow-
eth first is a stake with a heape of
stones at Joyneing to John Andreus
his land from thence on a straight
line northwardly to two read oakes
Joyneing together at ye stump
marked : and from thence to another
read oake nere ye meadow marked
leaueing roome for a cart to goe on
ye upland by ye medow betwene ye

92

last two bounds as ye fence now
staneth : and from thence on a
straight line to a grate white oake
marked nere ye meadow : and from
thence to an other letell white oake
marked : and from thence to anoth-

er letell whight oake marked : and
from thence to another letell white
oake marked nere ye ford: and so
eastwardly to ye south sid of ye ford.

Dat ye 21th of Septembr 1695.

John How
Tobiiah Perkins
Isaac Peabody

At a lawfull Towne meeting ye
11th of december 1695 it was agreed
on that all bills of charg in ye Towne
about any as was implied in ye
Towne or in ye Towns behalfe as
apered honist ye selectmen shall
allow but if any thing aperes scrupi-
lus to ye selectmen it shall be de-
fered to ye consederasion of ye
Towne. uoted

at A Lawfull Town meetting 3d
march 1695-6.

Ensign Ephraim Dorman is Chosen
Town Clarke for ye yeare Insueing.

uoted

Corpli Tobiiah Pirkins and Sar-
gent Samuel Howlet Ephraim Dor-
man William Towne and Isaac Easty
iunr are Chosen selectmen for ye
yeare Ensewing to order ye pruden-
tiall afaires of ye Towne. uoted

Sargt Thomas Dorman is Chosen
Cuustable for ye yere ensewing.

uoted

Corpli Tobiiah Pirkins is Chosen
Towne Treasurer for ye yeare en-
sewing. uoted

Sargt Daqiell Ridington and Corpli
John Curtious and Corpli Samuell
Standly are Chosen tithing men for
ye yeare insewing. uoted

Joseph Borman and John Kenney
and John french iunr are Chosen
serueyers for highways for ye yeare
ensewiug. uoted

Jacob Towne iunr and John Com-
ings Elisha Pirkins and John Towne
are Chosen fence uewers for this
yeare ensewing. uoted

Thomas Towne and Joseph Easty
is Chose to see that ye horsis doth
not goe on ye Common contrary to
law. uoted

Elisha Pirkins and Nathaniell
Auerill are Chosen to serue on ye
Jury of triads at ye next County
Court to be houlden at Ipswich.

uoted

John Robison senr is Chosen Gran
Juryman for ye yere ensewing.

uoted

it was put to ye Towne to giue
goodman Louewell liberty to liue in
yc Parsonage hous as before this
yeare and a considarable company
uoted for it and ye neagitiue was
uoted and few or non apered by
houlding up thare hands.

At ye request Capt How ye Towne
granted a small track of land to set
a barne on by ye rode nere his hous
prouided ye said How lays downe as
much of his owne land to ye com-
mon . uoted

Capt Gould and Isaac Pabody are
apointed by ye Towne to lay out ye
land aboue said. uoted

These after named tooke thare
oathes to ye faithfull discharge of
thare sauerall places as thay ware
chosen two before ye Honered Coll
Appleton Esquire on ye 5th of march
1695 or 6. Sargt Thomas Dorman
Cunstable Ephraim Dorman Towne
Clarke Corpli Samuel Standly and
Corpli John Curtious tithingmen

93

Joseph Borman and John Kenney
senr and John french iunr serueyers
of highways John Comings and Eli-
sha Pirkins fence vewers by order of
Collonall Appleton entered by me
Ephraim Dorman Toune Clarke for
Topsfield.

Boston aprill 30th 1695.

Reseiued of mr Isaac Easty Cun-
stable of Topsfield by ye hands of
mr John Gould fifty eight pounds
eleuen shilings and three pence in
full of a worrent for fifty eight
pounds eleauen shillings and three
pence 1 say Reseued for Mr James
Tailer Treasurer P Jar Allin.

£58-11 -3. Copia vera atest Ephraim
Dorman Towne Clarke of Topsfield.

Boston desember 26th 1694.

Reseiued of mr Isaac Easty Cun-
stable of Topsfield six pounds three
shillings and nine pence in full of a
worrent dated ye 13th September
1694 amounting to twenty two
pounds thre shillings and nine pence
I say Reseued for Mr Jams Tailer
Treasurer P Jar Allin.

£06-03-09. Copia vera atest Eph-
raim Dorman Towne Clarke for
Topsfield.

At a lawfull meeting of ye free-
houlders and others alowed by law
Corpll Tobiiah Pirkins was Chosen
representitiue toat end ye next Gen-
arall Court to be houlden at Boston
on ye 27th of this instant may.

noted

At a lawfull Towne meeting ye 22
of July 1696.

acording to ye act of ye Honered
Genarall Court houlden at Boston 27
may 1696 begun and hild: as requires
aseser in obediance thare unto for
ye leauiing an asesment : our Towne
of Topsfield haue Chosen Sargent

Samuell Houlet and Corpporall
Tobiiah Pirkins and William Towne
asesers for yt worke as is in ye said
act required. uoted

At a lawfull Towne meeting ye
12th of January 1696 or 7.

it was put to ye Towne whether
thay would alow of a bill of Charge
as Capt Gould gaue in to ye Select-
men about druming and drums and
cullers : and ye Towne uoted on ye
neagitiue. uoted

ye Towne did agree to alow The
Towne Treasurer six pence pir pound
for recouering and paying Towne
debts. uoted

At a Genarall Towne meting the
2th of march 169f .

Ensine Dorman is chosen dark for
the yere insuing.

Sargt Redington and Sargt Howlet
and Corpll Pirkins and Corpll Stand-
ly and Elisha Pirkins are chosen
selectmen for ye yeare ensewing to
order ye prudentiall afaires of ye
Towne. uoted

Joseph Towne iunr is Chosen Con-
stable for ye yeare ensewing. uoted
Daniell Clarke and Corpll Cur-
tious are Chosen to serue on ye Jury
of triads at ye next Court to be
houlden at Ipswich if sent for. uoted
Sargt Isaac Easty is Chosen Grand
Juryman for ye yeare ensewing.

uoted

The Selectmen are Chosen asesers
as ye law directs. uoted

John Comings and Thomas How-
let and Beniamen Bigsbee are chosen
serueyers for highways for ye yere
ensewing. uoted

William Towne and sargt John
Auerill are Chosen fence uewers for
the yere ensewing. uoted

and William Towne is Chosen ser-

94

ueyer with ye other aboue said.

uoted

Sargt Howlet is Chosen to kepe ye
pound this yere. uoted

Sargt Thomas Dorman and Phillip
Knite and John french Clarke are
Chosen tithing men for ye yere en-
sewing. uoted

upon ye petistion of Clarke french
for ye exchang of four or fiue akers
of land he request yt land : part of ye
land as was Sargt Houlets land and
to lay dowue land as is on ye hill called
mr Pimbletons hill as hath bene im-
proued : prouided quantity and qual-
ity be consedered and alowance
answerable with straight lines in ye
exchang of both ye Towne grants his
request prouided Clarke french be at
all charg uoted

and Sargt Howlet and Capt How
are Chosen to lay out ye exchang of
land as aboue said prouided that the
said french lays down land for ye
Toune next ye common. uoted

Leiut Baker and Ens Jacob Towne
and William Towne are apointed by
ye Towne to renew ye bounds be-
twene ye first diuision of lots and ye
cow common next ye reuer. uoted
At a lawfull meeting of ye pro-
prietors of ye Towne of Topsfield ye
10th of march 1696 or 7. it was
uoted that ye preaseut selectmen
shall call all ye Cunstables to an
acount of all ye rats commited to
them to gather belonging to ye min-
ester or Towne and also giue ye
Constables full power to proseed
with all as are behind in ye rats
comited to them to gather : to re-
couer by sute or destres as ye law
prouids and to stand by ye said Con-
stables in all thare lawfull proseed-
ing. uoted

At a lawfull meeting of ye pro-
prietors and Commoners of ye Towne
of Topsfield ye 10th march 1696 or 7.
it was ordered that no wood shall be
fallen on ye south side of ye Riuer
on ye common for fire wood and no
trees shall be fallen on ye north side
of ye Riuer in Topsfield common for
fire wood under a foot and halfe ouer
exsepting birch maple and popler on
both sids of ye Riuer : and no timber
to be fallen on either sids of ye Riuer
with out leaue from ye* maior parte
of ye selectmen : and who so euer
shall fall wood or timber contrary to
ye orders aboue said shall pay ye
some of ten shilings per tree to be
recouered by ye selectmen : and
euery one are to take nods if any
fells trees contrary to the order aboue
said : and tliay are to informe ye
selectmen : and ye informers shall
haue halfe ye fiue for thare paines ye
other halfe of ye fines as aboue said
to be desposed of as ye Towne shall
giue order : and firther who euer
haue libortv as aboue said for felling
timber shall be inioyned to take ye
whole top away in two months on ye
pennallty for felling trees as aboue
said to be recouered as aboue said :
and these orders shall continew in
force till ye propriorters shall pass
firther orders on ye same acount.

uoted

We whose names are under writen
being Chosen by ye Towne to renew
ye bounds of ye Common on ye
south side of ye reuer : haueing
marked a yeallow oake by John Cur-
tiousis and layd stones at it : and
from thence to ye place whare ye
wallnut tree was : we erected a heape
of stones by a rock : and from thence
to a read oake tree which we marked

9f>

and layd stones at it by Dwonills :
and from thence to a whight oake
tree by ye Riuer which we marked
and layd stones at it.

dat 11 of march 1696 or 7.

Thomas Baker
Jacob Towne senr
William Towne

Copia Vera atest Ephraim Dorman
Towne Claike for Topsfield.

At a lawfull Towne meeting 2
march 169f.

ye names of those as weare chosen
and sumensed to Salem to be sworne
to ye discharg of thare dutis respect-
tiuely in ye plases as thay ware
Chosen to : Joseph Towne iunr Cun-
stable : Ephraim Dorman Towne
Clarke : John Comings Thomas Hou-
let beniamen Bigsbee seirueyers for
high ways : sargt Thomas Dorman
Phillip Knight and John french senr
tithingmen : and William Towne and
sargt John Auerill fencevewers.

atest Ephraim Dorman Towne
Clark.

The persons within named parson-
ally apered before mee : Salem march
ye 8th 1696 and took ye oath to ye
faithfull discharg of thare respectiue
duty acording to ye laws exsept John
french.

John Hathron Justis of ye pece.

Copia Vera compared atest Eph-
raim Dorman Towne Clarke for
Topsfield.

Corpll Pirkins sargt Howlet and
sargt Ridington and Corpll standly
and Elisha Pirkins being chosen
asesers took ye oath to ye faithfull
discharg of thare duty tharein acord-
ing to law by me Ephraim Dorman
Clarke this 7th aprill 1697.

At a lawfull meeting of ye Towne
of Topsfield ye 9th of aprill 1697

whare as ye Commity uiz Leiut
Baker and Capt How and sargt
Howlet and Isaac Pabody and Eph-
raim Wilds apointed to settle ye
bounds betwene Ipswich land and mr
Simonds farme so called so farr as it
Joynes with Ipswich land : ye com-
mity apprehending thay haue not
full power : ye Towne doth giue
them full power to agree with Ips-
wich for ye settleing as aboue said :
and also to straighten ye line by
Thomas Perlies : and also to exchang
with Ipswich for conueniency Ed-
ward Nerlands house and som land
as thay see cause and ye Towne will
stand by it. uoted

At a lawfull meeting of ye free
houlders and others alowed by law
of ye Towne of Topsfield ye 11th of
may 1697 : Corpll Tobiiah Pirkins
was chosen Representatiue to atend
at ye next Genarall Court of Election
to be houlden at Boston as ye wor-
rent directs. uoted

At a lawfull Towne meeting ye 24
of nouember 1697 Capt Gould and
Leiut Baker were Chosen to Joyne
with ye selectmen to returne answer
to Boxford conserning thare prop-
osesions as thay sent to us about
runing a line. uoted

Know all men by these preasents
that whare as thare hath bene sau-
aral deferences betwene ye Towne
of Ipswich and Topsfield conserning
thare bounds betwene etch Towne :
for and in considerasion of a finall
Issue of all said differansis wee ye
subscribers being ye Commityes of
etch respectiue Towne aboue men-
tioned being legally chosen and im~
powred to make an end of all def-
erences betwene said Townes : doe
tharefore mutually agree and deter-

96

men as foloweth — Impr — viz — that
ye easterly line betwene said Ips-
wich and Topsfield : shall begin at a
stake nere ye spring that diuids or
parts ye meadow of samuell Poter
and Daniell ffoster, said meadow
lying nere ye dwelling house of dea-
con Isaac Comings ye said stake
being about six rod from winihrops
corner westerly : said line runiug
south easterly to ye westward end of
a hill called Pains hill : leaueing Ed-
ward Neallands Dwelling house
about two Rods and a halfe in Ips-
wich.

Seacondlv that ye notherly line
betwene said Townes of Ipswich and
Topsfield : upon runiug thareof ye
dwelling house of Abigell Pabody
alias Parly : let said house fall either
in Ipswich or in Topsfield on ye run-
ing of said line, she ye said Abigell
Pearly and her said dwelling house
she is now in posesion of shall be
and remaine for euer included in
Topsfield bounds in witness whareof
each Commity haue here unto Inter-
changably sett to our hands Tops-
field this 31sth of may 1697.

John Wain wright
John Whipple
Phillip ffowler
John Deane y
ff ranees Wain wright
Commity for Ipswich.
Thomas Baker
John How
Sammuell Howlet
Ephraim Wilds

Commity for Topsfield.

Witnessis to said agreement.
William Gidney
Jacob ffoster inner
Daniell ffoster

Copia Vera Compared atest Eph-

raim Dorman Towne Clarke for
Topsfield.

At a lawfull Towne meeting ye
7th of September 1697 ye Towne did
agree to make a new Bridg ouer ye
Riuer. voted

The Towne did agree that ye Se-
lectmen should apoint ye place whare
ye Bridg ouer ye Riuer should be
made. uoted

Capt John How and Sargt Samuell
Houlet are chose to same cn ye Jury
of triads at ye next County Court to
be houlden at Newbary after ye dat
hereof. uoted

Vpon considerasion yt our grat
Bridg ouer ye Riuer is so out of
Repaire yt it is agreed upon to be
made all new and in considerasyon
yt ye Bridg and Causway is so ex-
seeding Chargable and of grate Ben-
nifit to ye County : ye Towne haue
agreed upon and haue chose Capt
How and Sargt Samuell Houlet to
petesion to ye Honered County Court
at Newbary : next after ye dat here-
of yt ye said Bridg may be a County
Bridg. voted

At a lawfull meeting of ye Towne
of Topsfield ye 27 of nouember 1697
Leiut Thomas Baker and Capt John
How are Chosen and impowered to
petesion to Salem Court next insew-
ing for alowence towards ye grat
Chrge as our Towne is at in making
a bridg ouer ye Riuer. uoted

This may sartifye whom it may
consern : that where as Leiut Thom-
as Baker John How and Jacob
Towne weare in pertenorship : by
order from ye Towne of Topsfield to
seeck after incrochments upon Tops-
fields rights : and haueing had con-
treuersey with Capt John Putman
about som land claimed by ye said

97

Putmau in Topsfield bounds : and
haueing recouered it by law : and ye
said Towne of Topsfield haueing laid
out part of ye said lands forourowne
proper right : I Jacob Towne aboue
said haue and hereby doe resigne all
my right in ye aboue said land : to
ye aboue said Thomas Baker and
John How equilly ye eonsiderasion is
such that ye said Baker and How
shall secure me from ye Town of
Topsfield from what ye Towne
claimes of me as a debt whilest I
was in pertenorship with ye said
Baker and How : and I doe herebj*
upon ye eonsiderasion aboue said
freely fully and absolutely giue grant
Resigne and set ouer for euer to ye
said Baker and How all ye rights yt
I haue or might haue had in ye aboue
said land : for them equilly to haue
hould and inioy for euer without any
let hinderence or deniall of me my
heirs or asigns for euer ; and yt it
shall remaine to ye aboue said Baker
and How as aboue said and thare
heires or asignes for euer in witnes
hereof I haue set to my hand this
27th of January 1G9J and in ye ninth
yere of his Maiasties Reigne.

Jacob Towne

Signed in ye preasents of us wit-
nessis.

William Smith
her

Mary X Crocker
marke

Copia Vera Compared atest Eph-
raim Dorman Towne Clarke for
Topsfield.

At a Ganarall Towne meting the
1 of march 1697 or 8.

Ephraim Dorman was Chosen
Towne Clarke for this yere.

Jacob Towne iunr and Daniell

Clark and Capt How and Elisha Pir-
kins and Ephraim Wilds are Chosen
selectmen to order ye prudentiall
afairs of the Towne for this yeare
iusewing. uoted

Joseph Borman is Chosen Cun-
stable for this yeare ensewing. uoted
Ebineser Auerill and Thomas Dor-
man inur and Thomas Robison and
Wiliam Smith are Chosen sirueyers
for highways for ye yere ensewing.

uoted

Leiut Thomas Baker and sargt
Thomas Dorman are Chosen to serue
on ye Jury of triads at ye next
county Court to be houlden at Ips-
wich. uoted

Thomas Pirkins is Chosen gran
Jury man for ye yeare insewing.

uoted

Sargt Samuell Howlet and Sargt
daniell Rediugton and Isaac Burton
are chosen tithing men for ye yeare
ensewing. uoted

in answer to ye desire of mr Capen
for ye exchang of a litell land as he
formerly propounded for in answer
thare onto ye Towne hath granted
his desire to haue ye said land pro-
uided he layes downe so much land
to ye common on this side of ye
reuer and Joyneing to ye common.

uoted

Leiut Baker and Corpll Tobiiah
Pirkins are choseu'and impowred to
call all ye Constables of Topsfield to
an acount forth with as are behind
with mr Capen in those rates as ware
commited to ym to gather and in case
thay neglect to giue an acount to
them and to clere with mr Capen thay
haue full power to sew ye Constables
as are negligent in thare duty on that
acount and recouer it of them that
mr Capen may haue his due and ye

said Collecters shall doe it without
puting ye Towne to firther charge
and make reporte of thare so doeing
to ye Towne and all so to use menes
yt Boxford and Ipswich farmes pay
what may in resen be exspected from
them. uoted

The persons after named apered
before Leiut Collonall Appleton and
took ye oath belonging to thare re-
spectiue offices as thay weare chosen
too on ye 7th day of march 1697-8
uiz — Ephraim Dorman Towne Clarke :
Joseph Borman Cunstablc : Ebineser
Auerill and William Smith and
Thomas Dorman serueyers of high
ways : Sargt Samuel Howlet and
Sargt Daniell Ridington tithing men
entered by order of ye said Collonall.

Ephraim Dorman Clarke.
At a lawfull meeting of ye pro-
prietors of Topsfield ye 8th of march
1697-8. whareas it was agreed upon
in ye yeare 1661 that all ye Common
on ye south side of ye Riuer should
be diuided exsept flue hundred akers
to lye for Common to perpetuity :
and thare being a small track of land
as then was ordered to be diuided
and was not : The propriators now
haue agreed yt it should be diuided
acording to yt same rule as thay
deuided ye other Common as is diuid-
ed : that all yt are heirs or haue
obtained ye right of those as it was
granted in ye yeare 1661 may inioy
thare owne : onely whareas thay is a
body of clay found in ye said land :
thay doe agree yt it shall lye Com-
mon to ye said proprieters. uoted
Leiut Thomas Baker and Corpll
Tobiiah Pirkins and mr Zarobabell
Endicut are chosen to diuid ye said
track of land acording to ye rule
aboue said. uoted

and whareas som haue made brick
of ye clay in yt track of land as doth
belong to ye proprietors of Topsfield
as is ondiuided Ephraim Wilds is
Chosen by ye proprietors to sease ye
said Bricks exsept ye owner will com-
ply with ye said Wilds and giue sat-
tisfacktion : and ye said Wilds haue
power to agree with him or them as
made ye said Bricks : and if he or
thay will not comply with ye said
Wilds : aboute ye said Bricks ye said
Wilds hath power to sew for satis-
faction in ye behalf of ye proprietors
and thay will stand by him tharein.

uoted

We whose names are under writen
being chosen by ye Towne to lay out
som land upon exchang by Clark
John ffrench with ye Towne haue
acordingly dun as foloweth : we haue
laide out to Clarke ffrench four akers
of land upon ye hill : which land was
formerly Samuell Houlets land
bounded at ye east end with a small
walnut tree marked aud stones at it :
at ye west end with a heape of stones
at ye brow of ye hill : allso a small
bit of land of about fifty rods : at ye
east end of said Houlets orchard ffor
ye which four akers and fifty poules :
we haue laid out of ye said frenchis
land four akers and fifty poles : as
foloweth begining at ye corner of
frenchis pasture fence : to ye corner
of ye widdow Pirkinsis feild : we find
it three score and twelue rods : and
so we layd of from ye said ffrench
next ye corner from ye highway to
ye Widdow Pirkinsis field : nine rods
broade and about two foot whare we
set up a stake with stones at it close
by ye said Pirkinsis fence : and at
ye highway we did ye like : and
marked a raile and layd stones at ye

place and so we layd out Just aker
for aker and rod for rod.

dat ye 11th of december 1697.

John How
Samuell Howlet
Copia Vera compared atest Eph-
raim Dorman Towne Clarke for
Topsfield.

We whose names are under writene
being apointed by ye Towne to settle
a line and to exchang land with Capt
John How to set a barne upon acord-
ingly we haue dun it and perfected
what we did before which was not
well settled as foloweth : begining at
Daniell Clarks corner post three rods
east ward wanting hue foot : to a
stake and a heape of stones at it :
whare ye said Hows fence now
stands and from thence rangiug
northerdly six rods as his fence now
stands : leaueing roome of aboute
three foot betweue his leanto and ye
fence to another stake and a heape
of stones at it : it stands about
twelue foot of ye said barne as it
now stands : ranging upon a straight
line westwardly to two whight oakes
growing out of one stump : that tree
of these two as stands next to ye
fence is marked and is ye bound
tree : and from that tree upon a
straight line up to ye whight oacke
formerly marked by us : and from
that whight oacke tree last named is
a corner tree ranging southwardly
upon a straight line to a heape of
stones and a stake standing by dan-
iell Clarkes fence as witnes our
hands this 2 day of aprill 1698.

John Gould senr
Isaac Paybody

Copia Vera compared atest Eph-
raim Dorman Towne Clarke for
Topsfield.

At a lawfull meeting of those as
weare quallified acording to law in
Topsfield on ye 14th day of mav
1698.

Leiut Thomas Baker is Chosen
Representatiue to sarve his Maiesty
at ye next Genarall Court of election
as ye law directs. uoted

Boston may 31th 1697.

Reseseued of mr Joseph Towne
Constable of Topsfield thirty nine
pounds in part of a worrent for
seauenty eight pounds Rec-ed for
Mr Jams Tailer Treasurer P. Jer :
Allene.

£39. Copia Vera atest Ephraim
Dorman Towne Clarke for Topsfield.

Boston October 15th 1697.

Reseued of mr Joseph Towne Cun-
stable of Topsfield by ye hand of
mr Tobiiah Pirkins thirty nine
pounds in full of a worrent for
seauenty eight pounds Reseued for
Mr James Tailer Treasurer P Jer
Allene.

£39. Copia Vera atest Ephraim
Dorman Towne Clarke for Topsfield.

Boston decemr 8th 1697.

Reseued of Mr Joseph Towne
Constable of Topsfield by ye hand of
Mr Daniell Clarke twenty nine pound
in part of a worrent for thirty six
pound Reseued for Mr Jams Tayler
Treasurer P Jer Allene.

£29. Copia Vera atest Ephraim
Dorman Towne Clarke for Topsfield.

Boston January 7th 1697.

Reseued of mr Joseph Towne Con-
stable of Topsfield seauen pound by
ye hand of mr John Gould and is in
full of a worrent for thirty six pound
Reseued for mr Jams Tayler Treas-
urer P Jar Allene.

£7. Copia Vera atest Ephraim
Dorman Towne Clarke for Topsfield.

100

Boston aprill 18th 1698.

Reseued of Mr Joseph Towne Con-
stable of Topsfield by ye hand of
mr Daniell Clarke forty eight pounds
in full of a worrent for forty eight
pounds :j;Reseued for Mr Jams Tay-
ler Treasurer P Jer Allene.

£48. Copia Vera atest Ephraim
Dorman Towne Clarke for Topsfield.

Reseued of Joseph Towne Con-
stable of Topsfield for ye yeare 1697
three pounds two siblings for ye
County Rate which were in full thare
proportion for ye County Rate — P
me John Appleton County Treasurer.

March 7 : 9J Copia vera atest
Ephraim Dorman Towne Clarke for
Topsfield.

To Joseph Toune Constable we
doe order you to pay out of ye cun-
try rate to mr Tobiiah Pirkins two
pounds two : in siluer as soong as
you can conueniently.

dat 7 aprill 1697.

Samuell Howlet
Daniell Redington

Samuell Standley
Elisha Pirkins
Selectmen of Topsfield.

Reseued in full ye contents of this
order I say reseued by me Tobiiah
Pirkins this 25th of October 1697.

these are true Copies of the order
and reseight atest Ephraim Dorman
Towne Clarke for Topsfield.

At a lawfull meting of ye free
houlders this 16 of September 1698
and others alowed by law of Tops-
field in obedience to a worrent :
Quortermaster Tobiiah Pirkins and
Corpll Samuell Standly are Chosen
to sarue one ye Jury of triads at ye
next County Court to be houlden at
Newbary.

At a lawfull meeting of ye Towne
of Topsfield ye 21 of October 1698
by uertue of an order of ye Genarall
Court to this Towne directed to send
resons why a commitv may not com
to settle a line betwene Salem farmes
and Topsfield : the Towne haue agree-
ed to send resons acordingly. uoted

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.
1658-1800.

COMPILED FROM THE TOWN AND CHURCH RECORDS AND
RETURNS MADE TO THE COUNTY COURT.

BY GEO. FRS. DOW.

George Bunker dyed the 26th of May, 1658.

John Redington Sonn of John Redington dyed the
8 [?] of March 1659.

Issaack Redington son of Abraham Redington dyed
May 4th 1659.

A Sonn of Isaack Comings borne & dyed 28 of Agust
1660.

Damaris daughter of Frances Pabody died the 19
decemb. 1660.

Daniel Clarke son of Daniel Clarke dyed the IT of
January 1660-1.

Symon Sonn of ffrances Bates dyed the 29 of Jan
1660-1.

Elizabeth daugh : of George Hadley dyed 2 of March
1660-1.

A daughter of Edmond Towne dyed 7 of Sept. 1661.

Abigail daughter of George Hadley dyed the 12 of
Sept. 1661.

John Dorman Son of Tho. Dorman dyed the 16 of
January 1661-2.

(101)

102

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

The Birth & Death of a sonn of Issaack Comings 6 of
Decemb. 1662.

The Birth & Death of a Sonn of Edmond Towne 7
March 1662-3.

The Death of Nathan Wiles son of John Wiles 17
March 1662-3.

Prisillah the wife of John Wild dyed the 16th of Aprill
1663.

Phebye the wife of Zaacheous Gould died the 20 of
Sept. 1663.

Ellen Wife of Thomas Dorman Sennr dyed the 27 of
february 1667-8.

John sonn to Thomas Perkins dyed the 19 of May
1668.

Robert Andrews dyed the 29th of May 1668.

Phebe daugh : of Joseph Towne dyed the 3 of January
1668-9.

Thomas Dorman Senior dyed the 25 of Aprill 1670.

The daughter of John Hovey dyed the 2 of March
1670-1.

John Davis dyed the 24th of december 1672.

William Son of John Comings the 30th of March
1672 [1673?]

Daniell Son of Thomas Dorman dyed the 10th of
august 1673.

Sarah daughter of Robert Smith dyed the 28 of August
1673.

John Dorman Sou of Thomas Dorman dyed the 7th of
November 1674.

Mary Curtice daugh : of Zacheous Curtice dyed 31 of
decemb. 1674.

Mary the wife of John How dyed the 2th of March
1676-7.

Thomas son of John Lane dyed the 6tk of March 1676-7.

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

103

Samuell Son of ffrancis Pabody the 13 of September
1677.

Isaack Averil) son of William Averill dyed the 11th of
June 1680.

Mr William Perkins dyed the 21th of May 1682.

Cathron Wakling wife of Luke dyed the 8 febrary
1682-3.

Luke Wakling dyed the 18 of ffebuary 1682-3.

The Death of Isaack Easty son of Joseph & Jane
Easty ye 30 of April, 1683.

The death of Jn° Town son to Jn° & Mary Town ye
29 of Sept. 1683.

The death of Mary Curtis daughter To Zaccheus &
Mary Curtis ye 21 of Octob1' 1683.

The death of Zaccheus Curtis son to Zaccheus & Mary
Curtis ye 7 of Novembr 1683.

Thomas Perkins, Deacon, Died may 7th [16] 86.

Prisilla Lake ye wife of Henry Lake dyed 23 March t
1688.

The death of Mary daughter of Lieut. John Gould 11
of May 1689.

Jacob Pabody senr died ye 24th of nouember 1689.

The Death of John Redington ye 15 November
1690.

The Death of hannah wife of Timth Perkins ye 14 of
november 1690.

The death of John Perkins ye 5 of March 1690.

The death of Elizabeth Perkins y® 1 of April 1690.

Mary daughter of Daniell and Damaris Clark dyed on
ye 22 of august 1694.

John son of John and Mary Hovey died ye 15 of
June 1695.

Mr William Pirkins sener departed this life on ye last
day of October 1695.

*

104

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

Hannah daughter of Capt. John and Sarah How De-
parted this life 1th of nouember 1695.

John Prichet senior his daughter Elisabeth Prichet de-
parted this life on ye 30th of nouember 1695.

John Prichet senior his daughter Sarah Prichet de-
parted this life on ye 4th of december 1695.

Phillip Knite iunr departed this life ye 19th august
1696.

William son of William and Margit Towne dyed on ye
23 day of december 1697.

John Endicut son of Mr Zarobabell & Grace Endicut
deseased ye 2 day of fabruary 1697 or 8.

Lieu1 ffrancis Pabody departed this life on ye 19th
day of fabruary 1697 or 8.

Damarus daughter of Daniell and Damaris Clark dyed
on ye 30th of June 1698.

William Pirkins iuner departed this life on ye eight
day of July 1698.

John son of John and Presilah Curtious died on ye 27
of august 1698.

Nathan Pirkins dyed on ye 9th of September 1699.

Susanah daughter Ebinesar and Susannah Averill died
ye 11th of nouember 1699.

John Perly Dyed June 23d 1700.

John French his wife drownd herself may 13, 1701.

Phebe French dyed on ye 14th of may 1701. [TownR’d].

John son of John and Elisabeth Pirkins Dyed on ye
fifth of June 1703.

James Waters Dyed 11 Septem. 1704.

Ens. Jacob Towne Departed this life on ye 27th of
NovenF. 1704.

Elisha Perkins Junr Dyed on the 24th of Decern1'. 1704.

Mary Peabody ye wife of Lieut, ffrancis Peabody De-
parted this Life on the 9th of Apprill 1705.

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

105

John Willd Sen1* Departed this life, on the 14 of May
1705.

Mary Dorman the Wife of Lieu1 Ephraim Dorman
Dyed on 14th of November 1705.

Deborah Daughter of Thomas and Marsy Gould Dyed
on ye 10th Day of January 1706.

Sarah Daughter of John and Presilah Curtious Dyed
on ye 29th of Marh 1706.

Asa Perly Dyed April 14th 1706.

Isaac Burton sen1' Dyed on ye 3d Day of May 1706.

Stebens Cummings Dyed by the hands of the Indians
on the third Day of July 1706.

Mr Daniel Borman Departed this Life on 27 day of
Aprill 1708.

Sarah Gould Wife of Capt. John Gould departed this
life on the 20th Day of Januy 1708-9.

Anne Daughter of Ivory and Anna Hovey Died on ye
17th of July 1709.

Abigail Daughter of Ivory and Anna Hovey died on
ye 14th of august 1709.

Capt. John Gould departed this life on the 26th of
Jany 1709-10.

Samuel son of ffrancis and Mary Pabody Died on ye
23d Day of January 1711.

Anne Daughter of Ivory and Anne Hovey Died on ye
6th of ffebruary 1711.

Dorcas Hovey ye Wife of Sarg1 John Hovey departed
this life on the fifth of Nover 1711.

Elisabeth Town ye Wife of John Town Dyed on ye
14th Day of Decern1* 1711.

Hannah Daughter of John and Prissilah Curtis Dyed
on ye 24th Day of octo. 1712.

Joseph Town Sen1’ Dyed on ye of 1713.

Thomas Howlett Dyed on the 10th Day of february 1713.

106

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

John Town Dyed on ye 28th of March 1713-4.

Matthew Stanley Son of Samuel Stanley Senr Dyed
on the 16th of April 1714.

Kathrin Perkins Dyed on the 2d Day of July 1714.

Matthew son of Samuel Stanley Junr and Mary his
wife Dyed on ye 14th of Novemr 1714.

Prissilah Curtis ye wTife of John Curtis Dyed on the
16th of June 1715.

Meriam Stanley the wife of Jacob Stanley Died on the
10th Day of April 1716.

Daniel Averell ye Son of Nathaniel Averell Dyed on
ye sixth Day of March 1716-7.

Juleenea Daughter of Ephrim and Mary Willd de-
ceased on ye 22 of March 1716-17.

Sarah Howlett the wife of Samuel Howlett Dyed on
the 26th Day of March 1717.

Ebenezer Averell Dyed on ye 22 Day of December
1717.

Mr John Bradstreet Departed this Life on the 11 day
of Jenery 1717-18.

Capt. Thomas Baker Died on ye 18th Day of March
1717-18.

Phebe daughter of William and Phebe Porter departed
this Life on the 3 day of July 1718.

Prisillah daughter of Ll Thomas Baker and Mary his
Wife died on the 17 day of May 1719.

Deacon Samuel Howlett Departed this Life March ye
11th 1720.

Lieu1 Ephraim Dorman Departed this Life August
25, 1721.

Capt. Tobijah Perkins Departed this Life on ye 30th
Day of April 1723.

Thomas son of Jacob and Rebeckah Peabody Departed
this Life ye 25 dayr of Sept. 1723.

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

107

Jonathan Borman Departed this Life on ye 3 day of
October 1723.

Mercy Daughter of Jacob & Mercy Dorman Departed
this Life on ye 16th of July 1724.

Quartermaster Ephraim Willdes Departed this Life on
ye second Day of Aprill 1725.

The Reverend Mr. Joseph Capen Departed this Life
on the Last Day of June 1725.

Capt. Thomas Baker ye 2nd Died on the Day of

September 1725.

Amos Willdes the son of Ephraim and Mary Willdes
Departed this Life on ye 25 Day of July 1726.

Rebecca daughter of Samuel and Hannah Curtis Died
on ye 3d Day of December 1726.

Jacob Son of Jacob & Mercy Dorman Died on ye
Second Day of July 1727.

Damaris Wife of Daniel Clark Departed this Life on
y e 20th Day of Sept. 1727.

Cap1 John How, who was in his 92d year died Decembr
16, 1728.

Ensign Amos Dorman died JaiT^ 16, 1728-9.

Mary ye child of Nicholas & Kezia Creed died Jan1*?

29, 1728-9.

Jerusha ye child of Nicholas & Kezia Creed died Feb.

4, 1728-9.

The widow Mary Averell died March 14, 1728-9.

Sarah Pricherd ye wife of John Pricherd died April 28,

1729.

John ye child of Ephraim and Mary Smith died May
26, 1729.

Joseph ye child of Joseph and Martha Robinson
died May 30, 1729.

Jonathan ye child of Jonathan and Elisabeth Perkins
died May 31, 1729.

^ fiCrA. 'f'*' (aaaCc/) <L Ov-tC

108

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

Jemima ye child of Joseph Towne Jun1 and Jemima
died June 24, 1729.

Sarah Averell ye wife of Nathanael Averell died July
11, 1729.

Timothy ye child of Timothy and Kezia Perkins ’died
July 17, 1729.

Ruth Porter ye Daughter of William Porter Died July
20, 1729.

Dorcas ye child of Jacob and Elisabeth Reddington
died Decm 1, 1729.

Joseph son of Joseph and Abigail Cumings Died ot
the Smal Pox on ye Twenty fourth Day of Decemr
1729.

Abigail Towne ye wife of Joseph Towne Senr died
Jan1? 8, 1729-30.

The widow Abigail Cummings died of ye Small Pox
Jan1'? 10, 1729-30.

Damaris Daughter of Jacob & Mercy Dorman De-
parted this Life on the 29th Day of January 1730.

the widow Elisabeth Perkins died February 6, 1729-30.

Micall Dwinells wife died March 26, 1730.

Micall Coffeens child died March 27, 1730.

Joseph Bowerys child died April 12, 1730.

the widow Sarah How died May 6, 1730.

Jacob Robinson died Novm 30, 1730.

Richard Towne Child died Jan1'? 18, 1730-31.

John Prichard died Feb1’? 7, 1730-31.

the widow Mary Prichard died March 5, 1730-31.

David Commings Child died April 5, 1731.

Jonathan son of David and Annah Commings Died on
the first Day of Aprill 1731.

Joseph Dwinells Child died May 3, 1731.

Elijah son to Israel and Mercy Clark Departed this
Life on ye ninth Day of May 1731.

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

109

Mical Dwinells Child died August 4, 1731.

Isaac How of Falmouth died of ye Small Pox Novem-
ber 12th 1731.

Joseph Robinsons Child died January 17, 1731-32.
Nathan11 Wood died February 1st 1731-32.

Nathan11 Hoods Wife died March 1st 1732.

Thomas Bakers Child died April 1st 1732.

Joseph Towns Child died April 25th, 1732.

John Capen died April 26th, 1732.

Lydia How died May 14th, 1732.

Deacon Daniel Reddington died September 27th, 1732.
Jacob Estey died October 3, 1732.
the Widow Elizabeth Reddington died October 8th, 1732.
Jacob Towne ye son of Micall Dwinell Junrs wife died
October 13, 1732.

Josiah Kenneys wife died October 16, 1732.

Zacheus Perkins died Decm 1st, 1732.

Stephen Fairfields child died December 30, 1732.

John Curtice died February 23, 1732-3.

Nicholas Crees child died April 21, 1733.

Eliezer Lake died May 22, 1733, he was in his 98th
year wn he died.

Tobijah Perkins’s Child died October 21, 1733.

Mical DwinelPs Child died January 4, 1733-4.

Cap1 Joseph Goulds Child died March 19, 1733-4.
Nathan Hoods Child died May 24, 1734.

Nathan Hoods Child died May 26, 1734.

Rebeckah Perkins the wife of Thomas Perkins died
August 13, 1734.

Cap1 Joseph Goulds Daughter Elizabeth died August
28, 1734.

Stephen Johnson died August 29, 1734.

Sarah How ye Daughter of Benjm How died Septem-
ber 2, 1734.

110

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

Cap1 Joseph Goulds son Daniel died September 15, 1734.

Joseph Robinson died September 26, 1734.

Richard Townes Daughter Sarah died February 1,
1734-5.

Kezia Perkins ye wife of Timothy Perkins Junr died
April 5, 1735.

Phineas Reddington’s son Phineas died May 2, 1735.

Deacon John Howlett died September 7, 1735.

the widow Sarah Perkins died October 1st, 1735.

Joseph Houeys Child died November 5, 1735.

Jacob Dorman’s Child died November 20, 1735.

Richerd Towne’s wife died December 6, 1735.

Phebe Emery the wife of Zachariah Emery died Decem-
ber 15, 1735.

Abigail Peabody ye Daughter of Deacon Jacob Pea-
body died May 12, 1736.

Martha Peabody ye Daughter of Deacon Jacob Pea-
body died June 17, 1736.

Elizabeth Peabody ye Daughter of Deacon Jacob Pea-
body died June 18, 1736.

Sarah Brad street the wife of Sam11 Bradstreet died
June 19, 1736.

Nathanael Peabody the son of Deacon Jacob Peabody
died June 25, 1736.

Jacob Dorman’s son David died June 29, 1736.

Susannah Towne ye wife of Benjam Towne died July
5, 1736.

Jacob Peabody Junr his Child died July 26, 1736.

Abiel Averell ye Daughter of ye widow Ann Averell
died Augst 1st 1736.

Dudley ye youngest Child of Joseph Peabody died
Augst ye 6th 1736.

Joseph ye eldest Child of Joseph Peabody died Augst
ye 7th 1736.

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

Ill

Yeats Gould died August 11th 1736.

Jacob ye Child of Joseph Peabody died August 14th 1736.

Martha Perkins ye wife of John Perkins Junr died
August 16, 1736.

Nathanael Boardman Junr died August 26, 1736.

Asa ye Child of Josiah Kenney died Augst 31, 1736.

Sarah ye Child of Phinehas Reddington died September
9th 1736.

Abigail Boardman the Daughter of Nathanael Boardman
died September 13th 1736.

Elizabeth ye Child of James Leslie died September the
21st 1736.

Leu1 Tobijah Perkin’s Son Tobijah died September 26,
1736.

Jonathan ye Child of Lieu1 Tobijah Perkins died Sept
28, 1736.

James ye Child of James Lesslie died September ye
30th 1736 and

Edmund ye Child of Leu1 Tobijah Perkins died also ye
same Day, viz. on Sep1 30th 1736.

Sarah ye Daughter of Daniel Reddington died October
ye 5th 1736.

Daniel ye Child of Lieu1 Tobijah Perkins died October
ye 7th 1736.

William ye Child of Wm Perkins died October ye 10th
1736.

Dorcas ye Child of Daniel Reddington died October 23,
1736.

Thomas and Margarett Children of Daniel Reddington
died October ye 25th 1736.

Mary ye Daughter of John Wildes died November 6,
1736.

Deborah ye child of William Rogers died November
ye 12th 1736.

Katharine Perkins died November the 16th 1736.

112

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

John Wildes son Ephraim died November 26, 1736.

Ephraim Wildes son to John & Phebe Wildes Departed
this Life November ye 25, 1736.

Abigail More ye Daughter of Joseph Towne’s wife died
December 9, 1736.

Eunice yc youngest child of Joseph Towne and Daniel
ye eldest son of Nathanael Porter Junr died December
the 19th 1736.

Thomas ye eldest son of Ephraim Wildes died Decem-
ber 20, 1736.

Mary ye wife of Nathan11 Porter Junr died Decembr 23,
1736.

Nathana11 ye son of Nathan11 Porter Junr died Decembr
24, 1736.

Edmond Towne and Kebeckah ye youngest Child of ye
widow Johnson died December ye 25th, 1736.

Susannah Averell died December ye 26th, 1736.

Mary ye Child of Nathan11 Porter Junr died December
ye 31st, 1736.

having purposed (if my own Life be continued) not
only to note down ye Time of every particular Person’s
Death, but also yc number of Deaths in ye year, I shall
therefore here give ye number of Deaths y1 have been
from year to year, since my ordination to ye year 1736.
The first y1 died after my ordination was Cap1 John How,
December 16, 1728. Then in ye years

1729 died 14.

1730 died 09.

1731 died 08.

1732 died 14.

1733 died 04.

1734 died 10.

1735 died 09.

1736 died 43.

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD. 113

An Account of ye Deaths in ye year 1737.

Numb.

January

8.

Josiah Kenney,

^st

January

21.

Jeremiah Town’s child,

2d

February

7.

Doctor Dwinells wife,

3d

February

15.

Thos Howletts Daughter Alice,

4th

February

24.

Aaron Esteys Daughter Abigail,

5th

February

28.

Aaron Esteys Daughter Esther,

6th

March

17.

Richerd Stephens youngest child,

7 th

March

19.

Richard Stevens’s son Willm,

8th

March

23.

Richard Stevens’s Daughter Martha,

9th

April

8th.

Thomas Howletts Daughter Lydia,

l0th

May

1st.

Luke Averells Daughter Mary,

Uth

and Margarett King at the house

of Mr John Hovey,

12 th

May

3.

Luke Averells son Moses,

13th

May

7.

Mary Hovey ye wife of John Hovey,

14th

May

14.

Hannah Averell,

15 th

May

18.

Joseph Boardman,

16 th

June

5.

Pheebe How ye wife of Joseph How,

17th

September 10.

Jacob Dorman’s Daughter Sarah,

18th

December

5.

ye widow Sarah Perkins,

19th

Deaths in ye year 1738.

Numb.

January

4th

Sam11 a Child ye son of Nathan11

Hood Junr,

4 St

January

9th

Mary a Child ye Daughter of Nathan

Hood,

2d

F ebruary

7 th

Sarah a Child ye Daughter of Israel

Clark,

3d

March

25.

Hannah Towne the wife of Gideon

Towne,

4th

114

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

April

26.

Jacob Esteys Child,

5th

May

30.

George Bixbys son Enos a child,

6th

June

19.

Matthew Peabody’s son an infant,

7tn

August

1.

Simon Bradstreet,

8th

August

7.

Timothy Perkins,

9th

August

12.

Lydia a child, ye Daughter of Aaron

Hubbard,

10th

October

19.

Damaras an infant ye Daughter of

Jacob Dorman,

11th

Deaths in ye year 1739.

J anuary

13.

Isaac Peabody in the 42nd year of

his age,

1

January

23.

Liu1 Joseph Dormans Child,

2

F ebruary

1.

Richerd a child, ye son of Richerd

Town,

3

April

21.

Prudence a child yc Daughter of

Jacob Perkins,

4

April

29.

Liu1 Zacheus Gould,

5

May

16.

Phinehas a child ye son of Phinehas

Reddington.

6

June

2.

widow Abigail Dwinell,

7

June

26.

Sam11 an Infant ye son of Dan Clark,

8

July

7.

Moses an infant ye son of Luke

Averell,

9

August

1.

Ruth Towne,

10

September

1.

Abner a child ye son of Thomas

Gould Junr,

11

September

3.

Ruth a child ye Daughter of John

Dwinell Junr,

12

October

2.

Joseph Towns wife,

13

October

23.

Joseph Rhodes supposed to be in

his 97th year,

14

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

115

November

18.

Mical Dwinell Jun1' his youngest

Child, an infant,

15

November

23.

Jeremiah Towns child, an infant,

16

December

8.

Abigail Towne, y® Daughter of John

Towne,

17

December

21.

John Curtice Jun1' ye son of ye

widow Joanna Curtice,

18

December

22.

Lydia Gould ye wife of Daniel

Gould,

19

December 24.

Elizabeth Towne a child ye Daughter

of Israel Towne,

20

December

27.

Abigail Emerson ye wife of Jonathan

Emerson,

21

Deaths in ye year 1740.

January

14.

Pheebe Towne ye wife of Jacob

Towne,

1

Daniel ye son of Amos Dorman, an

infant,

2

February

25.

Thos Bakers youngest child, an in-

fant,

3

Febr?

27.

ye widow Marlew (?) Clough,

4

March

10.

Susanna an infant ye Daughter of

John Dwinell Junr

5

June

6.

Mehetabel Peabody ye wife of Mat-

thew Peabody,

6

June

21.

the widow Elizabeth Gould,

7

October

17.

the widow Bathsheba Howlet,

8

Novm

19.

the widow Mehitabel Averell,

9

Deaths in ye year 1741.

February

9.

Anna ye wife of David Cummings,

1

February

13.

Elizabeth an Infant ye Daughter of

David Cummings,

2

116

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

February 18. Elisha Perkins, 3

March 11. Mercy Towne, 4

May 5. Susannah Smith ye Daughter of

Sam11 Smith, 5

August 10. Dan an infant ye son of Dan Clarke, 6
August 11. Sarah a child, ye Daughter of Jacob

Peabody Jun1', 7

September 17. Anna a child ye Daughter of Samuel

Masters (?) 8

September 23. Elizabeth a child, ye Daughter of

Samuel Masters (?) 9

October 4. Jacob Towne, 10

October 31. Dinah ye wife of Philip Towne, 11
November 5. the widow Hannah Abbott, 12

December 23. John Dwinell Jun1’ his Daughter an

infant, 13

December 26. Oliver a child ye son of John

Spalden, 14

Deaths in ye year 1742.

January 28. John Dwinell, 1

February 6. Mary Dwinell, her daughter, an

Infant, 2

February 27. Joseph How, 3

February 28. John Perkins’s son John, 4

May 12. Philip Neeland, 5

August 24. Joseph Herrick Jun1’, 6

September 3. Sarah Dwinell, 7

September 16. Elisabeth an infant ye Daughter of

Jeremiah Towne, 8

Deaths in ye year 1743.

January 19. Edmund Towne, 1

February 4. Elisabeth, an infant ye Daughter of

Eleazer Gould, 2

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

117

May 29. Lydia, yL‘ wife of Eleazer Lake, 3

July 3. Ephraim, an infant ye son of Ephraim

Wildes, 4

July 6. Elijah, an infant yc son of Ephraim

Wildes, 5

July 17. Hannah Lummucks, 6

August 23. Dudley Bradstreet, 7

September 13. Jacob DwinelTs youngest Child, an

infant, 8

October 18. Madam Capen Relict of yc Rev1' mr

Capen, 9

October 23. Daniel Reddingtons wife, 10

Deaths in ye year 1744.

February 5. John Dwinell, 1

April 23. Jacob Dwinell Junr, 2

June 10. Elisha a child, ye son of Jacob Per-
kins, 3

July 13. Ruth an infant ye Daughter of ye

widow Susanna Dwinell, 4

July 22. Deborah ye wife of Wm Rogers, 5

August 4. Deborah an infant ye Daughter of

Wm Rogers, 6

September 25. Priscilla Smith ye wife of Sam11 Smith

Junr, 7

November 7. ye widow Hannah Clark, 8

November 20. Lieu1 Joseph Dormans youngest son,

an infant, 9

Deaths in ye year 1745.

March 13. Wm ye son of Aaron Estey, 1

April 7. ye widow Sarah Bradstreet, 2

118

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

April

14.

Thomas Bakers youngest child an

infant,

3

April

26.

Pheebe, a child ye Daughter of Na-

than11 Porter Junr,

4

June

3.

Pomp, a Negro servant man belong-

ing to Doctor Dexter,

5

June

15.

Jonathan, an infant, ye son of

Nathan11 Loe,

6

July

1.

John, an infant, ye son of John

Spalden,

7

July

6.

Elizabeth, a child ye Daughter of

John Batcheller,

8

July

18.

Jacob Robinsons youngest child an

v O

infant.

9

August

23.

The widow Mary Curtis in ye 98th

year of her age,

10

August

24.

Mary an Infant yl Daughter of John

Symonds,

11

October

3.

Isaac Perkins two sons, infants, 12 & 13

October

20.

Daniel Davis,

14

Deaths in yc year 1746.

January

19.

widow Spalden,

1

February

9.

Dinah, a Negro servant woman be-

longing to Thos Baker,

2

May

7.

Dorcas a child ye Daughter of

Thomas Gould Junr,

3

May

31.

Lydia ye wife of Nathan11 Averell,

4

July

18.

Nathan11 a child ye son of Solomon

Gould,

5

September

1.

Abigail ye wife of John Towne,

6

September

14.

Thomas Howlett,

7

December

25.

Elisha Towne Junr youngest child,

a Daughter, an infant,

8

a Negro Servant Child,

9

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

119

Deaths in yc year 1747.

Febry 14. David Cummings’s Daughter an in-
fant, 1

April 15. John ye son of John Le-Favour an

infant, 2

April 21. Abigail an infant the Daughter of

Joseph Dorman, 3

May 19. Joseph Dwinell who was drowned,
attempting to swim over ye
River, 4

June 8. Eleazer, ye son of Luke Averell, a

youth,

June 29. John Hoods Daughter, an infant, 6
August 5. Sam11 a child, ye son of George

Dwinell, 7

September 18. Simon Bradstreet Jun1' 8

September 24. John an infant son of Elisha Cum-
mings, 9

October 5. Thos Dwinell, 10

October 7. widow Mary Griffin, 11

October 29. Priscilla Griffinds, 12

November 3. Ruth, Daughter of Ensign Daniel

Gould, 13

November 8. Lydia Daughter of Ensign Daniel

Gould, 14

November 22. Daniel a youth, son of Ensign Dan-
iel Gould, 15

December 10. Benjamin a child, son of ye widow

Esther Bixby, 16

December 15. John an infant, son of John Perkins

Third, 17

December 16. Benjamin a child, son of Thomas
Gould Junr,

18

120

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

December 25. Elizabeth a child, Daughter of John
Perkins, Third,

Three Negro Children also died in
ye year,

Deaths in yc year 1748.

January

1.

Joseph, an infant son of John &
Elizbth Emerson,

Hannah, wife of David Batch,

January

2.

Mercy, a child Daughter of Thos
Gould, Junr,

January

5.

David a Child, son of John Perkins,
Junr,

January

9.

Jethro, a Child son of John Perkins,
J unr,

January

16.

Ruth a young woman Daughter of
Luke Averell,

January

17.

Timothy, a child son of John Perkins
Junr,

January

24.

Joseph Hodgskins a youth

January

24.

Mary, Daughter of Cap1 Tobijah
Perkins,

February

4.

Elijah, son of Luke Averell,

February 22.

Lieu1 Dormans youngest Child an
infant,

March

6.

Benjamin Bixby’s youngest Child an
infant,

May

25.

Lydia wife of Mical Coffeen,

May

31.

John, son of Richerd Gould, an infant,

June

24.

Mary wife of Israel Herrick,

July

12.

Sam11 Smith,

August

9.

Lydia a child Daughter of Eleazer
Lake Junr,

19

20

21

22

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

121

August

14.

Samuel 1 a child son of George

Dvvinell,

18

September

25.

Joseph a child ye son of Israel

Herrick,

19

September 30.

Elizabeth wife of Joseph Herrick,

20

October

3.

Esther Perkins who died in an

instant by falling into a well,

21

October

22.

Huldah an infant Daughter of

Eleazer Gould,

22

October

30.

Nathan11 Hood,

23

December

19.

Jesse Dorman,

24

Deaths in ye year 1749.

January

18.

Daniel Clark,

1

Febry

1.

Huldah, an infant, Daughter of

Nathan11 Hood,

2

F ebry

16.

Nathan11 Capen,

3

February

24.

John Hoods son an infant,

4

March

2.

Jemima wife of John Perkins Junr

5

April

9.

George Dwinells Child, an infant,

6

April

24.

Elizabeth, wife of Solomon Gould,

7

June

25.

Jonathan Perkins killed by falling

from a chimney,

8

J une

29.

Anna, Daughter of Cap1 Joseph

Gould,

9

July

24.

Deacon Jacob Peabody,

10

August

11.

Abigail wife of Nathan11 Boardman,

11

Septm

2.

Susanna Averill,

12

Septembr

6.

Elizabeth a Child Daughter of Cor-

nelius Balch,

13

Septbr

11.

Joseph Herrick,

14

Septbr

21.

Jacob Dwinells youngest Child, an

infant,

15

122

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

September 23. Mary a child, yc Daughter of Joseph

Hovey and 16,

Cornelius an infant son of Cornelius
Balch , 17

Novbr 5. Richard Marshalls child & 18

Benjra Woodbury’s wife, 19

November 27. Archelaus a child, son of David

Towne, 20

December 6. Ceesar a Negro Serv1 man belonging

to Aaron Estey, 21

Decemb1' 20. Cornelius Balch, 22

December 24. Archelaus a youth ye son of Sam11

Perkins * 23

Deaths in ye year 1750.

January 25. widow Martha Balchs son Joseph 1

28. Israel Clarks Daughter Sarah, 2

30th. Wm Towne in his 9 2d year, 3

March 4. Nathan11 Hoods son, an infant, 4

March 22. widow Deborah Dorman, 5

June 15. Robert Perkins, 6

June 22. John Perkins, 7

June 29. Daniel Reddington, 8

July 14. George Dwinell, 9

September 5. Sam11 Tutoo free indian, 10

September 6. Lydia, Second wife of Thos Perkins, 11

September 27. Cap1 John Wildes, 12

Novm 22. George, an infant son of ye widow

Hannah Dwinell, 13

Deaths in ye year 1751.

April 3. Nathaniel Averell, 1

May 31. John Hovey, 2

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

123

July 15. David an infant son of Cap1 Thomas

Baker, 3

Septm 7. Aaron Hubbard, 4

Novm 5. widow Margaret Towne, 5

Novm 17. Nath11 Hoods son, an infant, 0

December 2. Elisha Perkins, 7

December 8. Benjm Woodbury s Daughter, an in-
fant, 8

December 18. Timothy Perkins, 9

December 31. Joseph Peabodys wife, 10

Deaths in yc year 1752.

January 5. Nathan11 Porters wife Eleanor, 1

January 13. Joseph Cummings youngest son, an

infant, 2

February 24. Timothy Perkins, 3

March 12. Ebenezer son to John & Elizabeth

Emerson, an infant, 4

April 5. Elisha an infant son of ye widow

Lucy Perkins, 5

May 17. widow Elizabeth Perkins, 6

June 29. Thomas Gould in his Eighty Six year 7

July 5. Joseph Edwards, 8

July 9. Samson a Negro serv1 Boy belonging

to Deacn Bixby, 9

Novm 8th. Charity ye wife of Dr Dwinell, 10

December 7th. Jacob Robinson Junr who was

drowned, 11

1753.

March 6. Sam11 a youth son of Israel Clarke, 1

March 7. Bethsheba a young person, Daugh-

ter of Israel Clark & the same
day who dyed,

2

124 RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

Huldah an Infant Daughter of John
Bradstreet, 3

March

13.

17.

widow Rebekah Smith,

Jacob Dwinells child an Infant,

4

5

March

27.

Elizabeth, wife of Eliezer Gould,

6

April

4.

Cap1 Joseph Gould,

7

April

5.

John Goulds youngest Child, an In-

fant,

8

April

11.

Priscilla Gould, Relict of Cap1 Jo-

seph Gould,

9

April

15.

Johu Hoods youngest child, an in-

fant,

10

April

17.

Lieu* Joseph Dorman,

11

April

20.

Lydia Dorman,

12

April

27.

John Pricherd,

13

May

4.

Mary Lowden’s Child, an infant,

14

May

8.

Priscilla Peabody,

15

May

15.

Ebenezer, son of Jacob Robinson,

16

May

22.

Elizbeth Daughter of Sam11 Towne

Jun1'

17

July

2.

widow Susanna Wilkins,

18

July

25.

Jacob Gould son to Jacob Gould

and Elisabeth his Wife Departed
this Life.

19

August

7.

Cornelius Waldo an Infant, son of
John & Elizabeth Emerson,

Jacob Robinson Jun1' a young man

20

drowned at ye Eastward,

21

1754.

January

20th.

widow Cree,

1

January

30th.

Richard Gould son to Jacob and

Elizabeth Gould Departed this life.

2

F ebruar j

T 4th.

John Emerson Junr who died at

Haverhill, in ye 23d year of his

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

125

age, son of John & Elizabeth
Emerson, 3

May

9th.

Asa Cree, a youth,

4

June

9 th.

Joshua Bixby, an aged man,

5

Novm

20.

Uzziel Rea,

6

1755.

January

31.

an Infant of Israel Davis,

1

June

7.

Joseph Peabody,

2

June

8.

Nathan11 Hood,

3

September 12.

widow Ruth Dorman,

4

October

23.

Elizabeth wife of John Hood,

5

October 28. widow Prudence Boardmau, 6

Mical Dwinell 3d Jonathan Redding-
ton, Jacob Dorman, Jun1 & Jere-
miah Gallop who died in ye war 10

1756.

January

11.

Eli, an Infant son of David Pricherd,

February

22.

widow Amee Towne [widow of Jo-
seph Towne, aged 87 years 10
months] ,

March

2d.

Thos Edwards.

April

3d.

Mercy, wife of Israel Clarke,

April

12.

Hepzibah wife of Joseph Andrew,

April

15th.

John Willard,

April

22d.

Joseph Andrew,

April

25th.

John Clarke,

July

8th.

Susanna a child the Daughter of
Nathan Hood,

October

12th.

Enos Towne,

October

20th.

Dinah, wife of Thos Perkins 3d,

126

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

November 13. Dorothy a Child, Daughter of yc

widow Dorothy Pricherd, 12

Sam11 Mastiu, Sam11 Tapley & Da-
vid Pricherd who died in ye war, 15

1757

January

4th.

Deborah a child Daughter of Mat-

thew Peabody,

1

January

5th.

Margaret wife of Sam11 Perkins,

2

January

12th.

Molly a child Daughter of Nathan11

Low

3

February 24th.

Mary a child, Daughter of ye widow

Mary Clark Junr

4

May

28th.

Joseph Towne,

5

June

15th.

Ruth a child Daughter of Sam11

Phippen,

6

July

14th.

Jacob Willdes Departed this Life at

fort Edward.

7

July

31st.

Hannah a child, Daughter of Tho?

Symonds,

8

September 10th.

Caleb an Infant son of Archelaus

Rea,

in ye war yl died also in year

9

1757. Joseph Edwards, Thos
Perkins Junr & Sam11 Marstin wc
makes ye N° amount to

12

1758.

March

7th.

Nathan11 Boardman an aged man,

1

March

8th.

Nathan11 Porter an aged man,

2

April

4th.

Hannah an Infant Daughter of Joseph

Cumings Jun1' of Ipswich but died
in Topsfield,

o

O

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

127

April 22. Jedidiah an Infant son of Eliezer

Gould, 4

May 17. Widow Mary Wildes an aged woman, 5

June 22. Lieu1 Nathan11 Porter, 6

August 23. Hurnphery Clark son to yc wid°
Mary Clark Departed this Life in
the Public Serues. 7

September 4. Enos an Infant son of Benjm Bixby, 8
October 11. Wm Jewetts child an Infant, 9

November 7. Abigail Bixby an aged woman, 10

November 13. Micall a child son of Bartholomew

Dwinell, 11

November 18. Jacob Perkins an aged man, 12

Those y1 died in ye war from Home
ys year were Archelaus Dwinell,
Jabez Towne, Junr, Dudley
Perkins, and Arthur Browne which
makes ye N° amount to 16

1759.

January 21. Deacon Ivory Hovey, 1

April 1. Thos an infant son of David Balch

Jun1', 2

April 14. Asa Bradstreet, a young man, 3

May 4th. Aaron Hovey, about middle age, 4

May 5th. Mehetabel an Infant, ye Daughter

of John Peabody, 5

May 21. Sarah a child, Daughter of John &

Elizabeth Emerson, 6

May 29. Jedidiah an infant son of James

Burch, 7

May 31. Robert, an Infant son of Robert

Perkins, 8

128

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

June

1.

Abigail, an Infant Daughter of
Isaac Estey,

June

5.

Abigail an Infant Daughter of Jacob
Dwinell,

June

11.

Jemima a child Daughter of Thos
Perkins,

June

16.

Dorcas an Infant Daughter of Thos
Gould Junr,

June

26.

Elizabeth, an Infant Daughter of
Amos Perkins,

June

27.

Lydia a child Daughter of ye widow
Lydia Towne,

July

7.

Rebeckah an Infant Daughter of
Thos Perkins,

July

29.

Relx ckah a child, Daughter of Enoch
Perkins,

October

20.

Elizabeth Dwinell, aged woman

Novemb1'

19.

Abigail Gallop,

Two blacks, s

Anno Domini

, 1760.

January

14.

Elijah Bradstreet,

February

12.

widow Abigail Pool, in her 97th
year,

March

5.

Archelaus Kenneys wife,

March

6.

Archelaus Kenneys child, aa infant,

May

5.

John Batchellers wife,

August

18.

a serv1 child belonging to Hugh
Lynde,

September

4.

Joseph Cummins (?) a youth son of
ye widow Mary Clark, Jun1'

also three infants, born at a Birth •
children of Thos Perkins, Jun1’, 1

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

129

September 28. widow Hannah Towne,

11

October

27. Experience Towne,

12

October

28. John Wildes,

13

Novbr

6. Cap1 Benjm Townes wife Mary,

14

Novbr

16. Zacheus Robinson, a youth,

15

Novbr

20. Sarah wife of Joshua Towne Jur,

16

Novbr

27. Moses Hovey, a youth who died wth

ye Small Pox,

17

Decembr

7. John Chapman who also died of ye

♦

Small Pox,

18

Those who died from Home in ye

Army.

Joseph Smith,

19

James Burch,

20

Nathan11 Boardman,

21

Israel Dwinell,

22

One Black,

23

Anno Domini, 1761.

May

24. Susanna, a young woman, Daughter

of Th os Perkins,

1

June

18. Sarah a child, Daughter of Joseph

Gould,

2

June

22. Mary, Daughter of Mical Holdgate

3

June

24. Widow Mary Symonds an aged

woman,

4

September

28. Mary, a child Daughter of Stephen

Symonds,

5

September 29. Bettey a young Person Daughter of

t*

Elijah Porter,

6

Octobr

12. Isaac Cumings an aged man,

7

Novbr

1. Sarah Towne an aged woman,

8

Novbr

19. Widow Hannah Herrick,

9

130 RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

December 23d. Dorothy Clark Daughter to the
Wife of Capt. Benja Towne De-
parted this life. 10

Decembr 24. Mical Dwinell, Etatis 91, 11

Anno Domini, 1762.

January 11. Joshua Towne an aged man, 1

May 16. Elizabeth wife of Elisha Towne, 2

July 21. Othniel Thomas child an infant, 3

December 1. Sam11 Bradstreet, 4

December 15. Ensign Solomon Gould, 5

December 30. Anna an infant Daughter of Thos

Gould Junr, 6

One Black, 7

Anno Domini, 1763.

February 21. widow Sarah Kittery an aged woman, 1

March 15. Mary Cree a young woman, 2

March 25. John Davis an aged man, 3

May 8. widow Mary Gould an aged woman, 4

September 2. Moses a young man, son of Simon

Gould, 5

October 31. Enoch a child, son of Enoch Perkins, 6

Anno Domini, 1764.

January 22. Israel an Infant son of Cap1 Thos

Cummings, 1

February 7. Mary wife of Philip Neeland Jun1'

middle aged woman, 2

February 16. widow Dorothy Riggs an aged

woman, 3

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

131

February 24.

Sam11 Perkins an elderly man,

4

March 22.

William a young Person son of John

Balch,

5

April 9.

Ruth a child, Daughter of ye widow

Rebekah Gould,

6

April 15.

Lucy wife of Mical Dwinell an aged

woman,

7

May 9.

Abigail a child. Daughter of yc

widow Abigail Potter,

8

July 3.

Elizabeth wife of Sam11 Towne,

9

August 17.

Hannah wife of John Peabody, who

died about middle age,

10

September 24.

Dan Clarke Junr a young man who

died suddenly,

11

November 12.

Elijah Clarke a young married man,

12

November 19.

Amos son of John Le-Favour,

13

November 20.

Hannah Daughter of Solomon Dodge,

14

November 25.

Dan Clarke an elderly man,

15

Anno Domini, 1765.

February 21.

Richerd Towne an aged man,

1

March 6.

Elijah son of Abraham Hobbs,

2

March 22.

Israel, son of Thos Perkins Junr,

3

April 2.

Cornitt David Camming an aged

man,

4

May 4.

widow Abigail Hood an Elderly

woman,

5

May 27.

Stephen Cummings a young man
who died Commin^ home from

sea,

6

June 17.

Nathan11 Towne an elderly man,

7

August 7.

widow Abigail Potter,

8

September 3.

Cap1 Thomas Cummings,

9

132

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

September 30. widow Pheebe Wildes an aged

woman, 10

October 30. Sarah a child, Daughter of John

Le-Favour, 11

December 26. an infant child, eon of Asa Smith, 12

December 31. Mary wife of Asa Smith, 13

One Black, 14

Anno Domini, 1766.

March 6. an infant, son of Enoch Perkins 1

April 1. Solomon an Infant, son of Dan11

Averell, 2

August 29. Joseph Hovey Junr a student of ye

College, 3

September 13. Widow Susanna Cummings in ye

96th year of her age, 4

September 30. Sarah Hovey a young woman

Daughter of ye widow Sarah
Hovey, 5

October 6. An Infant, child of Davis Howlett, 6

November 17. Mercy wife of Jacob Dorman an

aged woman, 7

December 11. Deacon Dan11 Gould an aged man, 8

Anno Domini 1767.

January 4. Elizabeth a child, Daughter of John

May, 1

February 8. Mary^ Wife of Deacon Bixby, an

aged woman, 2

Ephraim Wildes an aged Man, 3

Dorothy, wife of Nathan11 Averill
Junr,

April

May

3.

6.

4

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

133

June 13. Sarah, wife of Jeremiah Towne Junr, 5
September 15. Ruth an Infant, Daughter of Dan11

Hood, 6

September 16. Joseph a youth, son of Ensign

Joseph Gould, 7

November 18. Hannah Willard, an aged woman, 8

Anno Domini, 1768.

April 16. Dudley Smiths child, an Infant, 1

April 19. Mary, wife of Nehemiah Herrick, 2

May 27. Lydia, an Infant, Daughter of

Abraham Hobbs Jun1, 3

July 12. Eunice, Daughter of Capfc Boardman, 4

November 24. Josiah, an infant, son of Thos Moor, 5

One Black, 6

Anno Domini, 1769.

March 12. Lydia Pricherd, a young woman, 1

April 15. Richerd Cree, a middle aged man,

who was drownded, 2

April 24. Abigail, a young Woman ye Daugh-
ter of John & Elizbth Emerson, 3

May 22. Sarah, wife of Palatiah Cummings, a

middle aged woman, 4

September 25. Mr David Batch, an aged man, 5

December 11. Mr Jacob Dorman, an aged man, 6

Anno Domini, 1770.

January .23. Abigail an infant, Daughter of Pela-

tiah Cummings, died in Wenham, 1
January 28. Jacob Foster, a young man, 2

134

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOFSFIELD.

March

27.

Widow Jemima Bointon an aged

Woman, died very suddenly,

3

April

27.

Widow Lydia Stanley an aged Woman

died very suddenly,

4

June

14.

Richerd, son of David Balch,

5

September 19.

Mical Dwinell an aged man who died

suddenly,

6

Anno Domini

, 1771.

January

28.

John Boardman Jun1' a young man

1

February

2.

Lieu1 Thomas Gould &

2

John Batceler, both aged men,

3

March

7.

Philip Neeland, an aged man,

4

March

9.

Joseph Emerson, a youth,

5

April

19.

Abraham Hobbs Jun1 his youngest

child,

6

April

25.

Hannah, an Infant Daughter of

Joseph Perkins,

7

April

29*

Eliezer Lake, an aged man,

8

May

15.

an Infant, Daughter of Benjm Fisk

9

May

18.

Sam11 Towne, an aged man, who was

drownded,

10

Also ye same Day died Priscilla a

Daughter of Isaac Hobbs,

11

August

22.

ye widow Martha Perkins, an aged

Woman,

12

October

5.

Widow Abigail Cummings an aged

W oman ,

13

Novembr

10.

an Infant, son of Stephen Adams,

14

Decemb3*

24.

an Infant, son of John Dwinell,

15

Anno Domini, 1772.

January 31. Widow Elizabeth Reddington an aged
Woman,

. "

-T^VlA ftCcVT

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

135

February 11.
February 13.

March 19.

March

May

May

May

June

July

23.

1.

6.

13.

23.

13.

November 26.
December 25.

Cap1 Benjamin Towne an aged man,
Mercy Gould, a young Woman,
Daughter of ye Widow Mary Gould
Widow Mary Neeland, an aged
Woman,

Nathan Hood Junr, near middle age,
Benjm Fisk, a young married man,

A Negro child,

Widow Mary Hubbard, an aged
Woman who died very suddenly
An Infant, son of David Towne Junr,
An Infant, son of John Hood,
widow Elizabeth Perkins, an aged
woman,

Ruth Dodge an elderly Woman,

4

5

6

7

8
9

10

11

12

Anno

March

March

August

Septemb1'

November

December

Domini, 1773.

3. An Infant, son of Elizabeth Peabody,

22.

30.

26.

3.

December 26.

December 28.

Sarah, a young married Woman,
wife of Wm Fessenden, A.M. &
grammar School-Master of ye Town,
Anna Towne, a young woman,

Oliver Towne, a young married man,
Zilpah, a Negro Woman,
the Widow Abigail Dorman an aged
Woman,

Katharin Perkins, an elderly woman
who died suddenly,

Cap1 Tobijah Perkins an aged Man
who died very suddenly,

Anno Domini, 1774.

January 19. Aaron, an infant, son of Stephen
Perkins Junr,

1

136

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

January

29.

Mehetabel, an infant, Daughter of
Jn° Perkins 3d &,

Enoch Perkins a middle aged man,
who died very suddenly,

February

26.

Elizabeth, an aged Woman, Relict
of Cap1 Tobijah Perkins,

March

23.

Henry, a child, son of Henry Brad-
street,

April

14.

Widow Mary Dwinell, who died
suddenly a very aged Woman, up-
wards of 90 years,

May

15.

Rebekah Perkins, a middle aged
Woman,

July

5.

Lieu1 John Lampson who Died very
Suddenly,

July

IIth.

The Revnd Mr. John Emerson De-
parted this Life Aged 67 years,
live months, and four days. He
was Ordained November 27th 1728.

August

30.

Becca a Child of John Gould Juner,

Sept1’

28.

Thomas Gould his Macy,

November

15.

Hephzibah Galop wife of Wi11 Galop,

November

20.

Elezibath Galop a young woman,

December

23.

Susannah Bradstrett wif of Simon
Bradstrett,

Decemb1'

31.

John Balch,

Anno Domini, 1775.

January

9.

An Infant Child of Stephan Adams,

April

14.

An Infant Child of Sam1 Smith,

the widow Mary Rea an ageed woman,
the widow Mary Lake an ageed woman
Benjn Kimball a student of Harverd
Coiledge son of Jacob Kimball
Died the 19th Aug1 1775,

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

1

2

3

, 4

5

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

137

September 7. A Child of Zebelon Perkins, 6

Samuel Kimball son of Jacob Kimball Died Sep1
10th 1775, 7

Enos Towne son of Stephen Towne Jn1' Departed
this Life 9th Sep1 1775, 8

Esther Hood Daughter of John Hood Departed
this Life Sep1 1775, 9

Daniel Bixby Departed this Life 22d Sepr 1775, 10

Elisabeth Gould wife of John Gould Jnr Departed
this Life the 18th Octr 1775, 11

A Child of Joseph Perkins, 12

Elijah Porter Esq1 Departed this Life 17th Decr
1775, 13

Daniel Hood son of Daniel Hood Departed this
Life Octr 1775, 14

The Wid. Edwards an aged woman Departed this
Life Jany 18th 1776, 1

Meheteble Broadstreet and Lucy Broadstreet Dafters
of John Broadstreet Booth Departed this Life Jan- 2
uary 29, 3

Nehemiah Towne a Child of Nehemiah Towne De-
parted this Life febuary 10, 1776, 4

hildah Hood Daughter of John Hood Departed
this Life february ye 18, 1776, 5

William Balch son of David Balch Departed this
Life february ye 26, 1776, 6

Daniel Clark son of Daniel Clark Departed this Life
february 29, 1776, 7

William Perkins an aged man who Died Suddenly
february 29, 1776, 8

the Widdow Kittle an Aged woman Died March
ye 7 [she was the widow of Samuel Kettell of
Charlestown] 9

138

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

the widdow Anna Hovey an Aged Woman who
died Sudenly March ye 10, 10

Elijah Clark a Child of Daniel Clark who died
March ye 14, 11

Lucy Hood Daughter of Daniel Hood died March 31, 12
Luke Auril Died April 16, 13

Tamma Wilds Dafter of Amos Wilds died April
ye 17, 14

Priscilla Perkins Daughter of Stephen Perkins
Juner Died April ye 19, 1776, 15

Ebenezer Baker a Child of John Baker Junr Died
April 24, 16

A Child of M1' Brindlecom Belonging to Marble-
head died May 6, 17

Judah Marah an aged woman of Marblehead died
May ye 24^ 18

Sarah Bixby wife of Deacon George Bixby who
Died Jne the 30 1776, 19

Prudence Ireland an aged woman who Died July
ye 19, 20

Ceasar a Negro seruent of Thomas Perkins Junr
who Died July 24, 21

an Infant Child of Jacob Kimball August ye 29, 22

Martha Perkins wife of Thomas Perkins Junr who
Died September 4th, 23

Elizabeth Bixby who Died September 18, 24

Sarah a Child of Robert Balch who Died October
ye 10th, 25

Nathaniel Dorman a middle aged man who died
October the 13th, 26

Pellityah Commings a younge man who died
October 27, 27

Richard a Child of Cornelious Balch who Died
Nouember 1st, 28

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

139

an infant Child Abraham hobbs juner Nouember 13, 29

Two infent Children being Twiii9 of John Peabody
Departed this Life December 27th 1776.

An Infant male Child of Ephraim Tovvne Junr
Departed this Life January the 8th 1777, 1

An Infent Child, son of Mary Bixby Departed this
Life April 13th 1777, 2

Lydia Daughter of Nath11 Fisk, May 16, 3

William Perkins a young man Departed this Life
on ye 18th day of June 1777. 4

Samuel Bradstreet Departed this Life July 6th 1777, 5

Ruth Bradstreet Relict Widdow of Samuel Brad-
street, Departed this Life on the 25th day of July,
1777, 6

Mary Perkins Daughter of Stephen Perkins De-
parted this Life the 13th of August 1777 in the 27th
year of her age. 7

September 7th. Jacob Batcheller son of John and
Lydia Batcheller Departed this
Life and the, 8

14th of September Ann Batcheller Daughter of John
& Lydia Batcheller departed this Life, 9

Cap1 Thomas Baker Departed this Life on the 16th
day of September 1777. 10

September 21st. Zebulun Perkins son of Zebulun and
Mary Perkins Departed this Life
and, 11

September 23d. Lrnice the daughter of Zebulun &

Mary Perkins Departed this Life, 12

August 11th. Esther the daughter of John and
Ester Dwinell Departed this Life.

She died with the Small Pox.
ought to have been entred befoue, 13

140

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFJELD.

September 23d.

October the 1st.
October 7th.

October 16th.

October 19th.
October 18th.
October 20th.

November 25th,

Huldah Bradstreet Daughter of
John & Elisabeth Bradstreet
Departed this Life. 14

Jacob Perkins Departed this Life, 15
Esther the wife of Phillip Towne
Departed this Life. 16

Mary Perkins the Daughter of
Stephen Perkins and Unice his
wife Departed this Life 13th of
August which should have been
entered before. 17

Aholiab Gould son to Eliezer Gould
Departed this Life on the 8 day
of October 1777 being killed by
a Cannon ball at the taking
Bergoyns armey in the Ninteenth
year of his age, 18

John Dwinell son of John and Es-
ther Dwinell Departed this life 19
and in the 18th day their daugh-
ter Mehetabell Departed this life 20
Marcy the wife of David Perkins
Departed this life 21

Lucy the Daughter of John and
Lucy Peabody Departed this life 22
Departed this Life Mr Matthew
Peabody, and Sarah his wife and
Ebenezer Peabody son of John
and Lucy Peabody all three in
one day and under one roof, and
was all three buryd at one time,

Mr Peabody and his wife was
both laid in one grave. 25

1777. Departed this Life Joseph son

of Cap1 Nehemiah Herrick. 26

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSF1ELD.

141

December 15th. Nehemiah son of Cap1 Nehemiah

Herrick. 27

January 7tL, 1778. Departed this life An Infent Child

Daughter of Phillip Mackinze. 1

February 1st. Sarah Daughter of Paletiah Cum-
mings. 2

April 15th. the widow Hannah Towne. 3

July 23rd. Sarah Daughter of David Towne

Junr. 4

June 28th, 1778. Departed this Life Deacon John
Gould, he represented the town
at the General Court at the
same time he died with the
small pox at Watertown 5

August 20th. David Towne Departed this life. 6

September 21st. Joshua Cree departed this Life. 7

October 2nd. Esther Lynd departed this Life 8

the same day Oct1' 2nd Benjamin
son of Samuel Smith Junr De-
parted this life. 9

October ye 12th. Emerson a Child The Son of
Thomas Hodgdon Departed this
Life. 10

October 17th. Sarah a Child of Daniel Porter

departed this Life. 11

October 18th. Dinna a Negro woman servant of

Mrs. Porter departed this life. 12

October 19th. William son of Oliver Perkins

Departed this Life. 13

October 23d 1778. James a Son of Daniel Porter De-
parted this Life.

14

142

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

November 23, 1778. Cap1 John Dodge of Brookfield

being in town on a visit at
the House of Mr Solomon
Dodges, he went to bed in
the evening in a Comfortable
State of health for a man of
his age, but was found dead
in his bed in the morning, he
was about 85 years of age.

February 5th 1779. the Widow Elisabath Lampson

Departed this Life.

May 24th,

1779.

Amos Wildes departed this life,
he died with the small pox.

June 7th

1779.

Lois Wildes daughter of Amos
and Hannah Wildes departed
this Life. She also died with
the Small pox.

September

11th.

An Infent Child of Zacheus Gould,
Junr.

Decern1'. 20 1779.

Hannah Wildes relict widow of
Amos Wildes, departed this life
in .a sudden & surprising man-
ner, by means of her own using.

Feb? ¥ 7th

1780.

John Perkins an aged man.

March

12.

Widow Rebekah Peabody a very
aged woman.

April

7.

Cap1 John Boardman in something
of a sudden & unexpected man-
ner.

April

9th.

Sarah Towne a very aged woman.

May

18.

An infant child of Abraham Hobbs,
Junr.

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

143

June

28.

Dinah, a negro woman servant of
Philip Kneeland.

June

29.

The widow Sarah Baker, a woman
in years.

July

10.

An infant child of Moses Conant.

Aug1

19.

Priscilla wife of Cap1 Joseph
Cummings. The same day a
negro man belonging to John
Balch.

Nov1'

10.

A young child of Nathan Fisk.

Nov1'

20.

An infant child of John Dwinell.

Decern1'

19.

Mary Foster, an aged person, a

member of Chh. But resident
in ye parish of Linebrook.

Jany

7, 1781.

Deacon Stephen Foster about 71

years of age.

Jan.

15.

The widow Eliz11 Perkins an aged

woman.

Feb.

11.

Theophilus Fisk an aged man.

March

22.

The widow Elizabeth Bradstreet,

a very aged person, & ye only
surviving daughter of ye Rev1
Mr Capen, the third ordained
pastor of this Chh.

March

29.

Priscilla daughter of Jacob Averell.

July

1st.

Philip Towne an aged person.

July

20.

A child of Nathanael Gould.

July

22.

Sarah wife of John Cummings.

Aug1

5.

David son of John Gould.

Aug*

17.

Cap1 Nathanael Averell an aged person.

Aug1

20.

Hannah, wife of Stephen Perkins
Junr.

144

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOFSFIELD.

Aug1

26.

A child of John Gould, Junr.

Aug1

29.

Elizabeth wife of Joseph Towne.

Sepr

24.

An infant child of Bishop Norton ot
Newburyport.

Nov1'

15.

Thomas Wiles of a lethargy.

Novr

13.

The widow Mary Perkins a very aged
pr’son.

Decern.

18.

Susanna daughter of Samuel Smith
Junr ab1 18 years of age in a very
sudden & unexpected manner.

May 31st

1782.

A child of Nathanael Smith.

May

31.

A child of Israel Clark.

June

10.

Elizab wife of Nathan Hood, in a very
sudden manner.

Oct1'

28.

Theziah, daughter of Amos Perkins, a
young person.

Nov1’

22.

William Perkins, a single man, about

60 y ears of age.

Decern1’

11.

The widow Mary Towne in a sudden
manner.

Decern1'

21.

A negro girl of Cap1 Nehemiah Herrick.

Jany 31,

1783.

A child of Cap1 Nehemiah Herrick.

Feb.

12.

An infant child of Enos Gallop.

April

21.

Aaron Estey in ye 85 year of his age.

April

26.

The widow Hannah Bachelor, in ye
80th year of her age.

May

3.

Deacon George Bixby in the 92 year
of his age.

July

11.

Nathan Wildes about 70 years of age,
of a complication of disorders.

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

145

Nov1'

25.

Doctor Richard Dexter, of a

putrid

fever. Aged 71.

Decern1'

23.

Widow Hephzibah Wildes of

a con-

sumption.

Decern1

28.

Widow Abigail Fowler of a

cancer.

Aged 84.

Jany 15,

1784.

An infant child of John Gould.

Jany

23.

Widow Jemima Fisk. Aged 69.

Feby

20.

Miriam, wife of Nehemiah Herrick, of
a consumption. Aged 37.

March

15.

A child of David Hobbs, still born.

April

29.

Widow Mary Gould, of a complicau of
disorders. Aged 73.

May

26.

Lydia Symons, of a consumption.
Aged 66.

June

3d.

Jeremiah Perley in a very sudden man-

lier (aged 35) occasioned by a part
of a frame for a barn giving way, at
the time of raising. A considerable
number were wounded at the same
time, tho’ but few received any ma-
terial injury.

Sep1'

16.

Jacob Dwinnell of a Dropsy. Aged 70.

Oct1'

^st

Priscilla, wife of Nathaniel Herrick.
Aged 32.

Oct1'

4 th.

Betty wife of David Balch Tertius, of
a consumption. HCt. 22.

Decern1’

26.

Sarah Averell, a single person.

F eby 25,

1785.

Anna wife of John Baker of a cancer.
Aged 66.

April

7.

An infant child of Amos Hood.

146

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

May

21.

An infant child of David Perkins Junr.

June

4.

Widow Hannah Averell of a consump-
tion. Aged 75.

J une

23.

A child of Samson, a negro man, a
year old.

July

1.

A child of Roger Balch, 3 weeks old.

Sep1'

7.

Jeremy Averill.

Oct.

1.

Molly, wife of Dan1 Gould. ^Et. 34.

Oct.

10.

Aaron, son of David Balch, Junr.

Oct.

16.

Joseph Andrews.

Nov.

14.

Samuel Smith Esq1' of an apoplexy, 72.

Decern1

4.

Molly, an infant, daughter of Daniel
Gould.

Feb? 21,

1786.

Sara Gould, a single person.

March

4.

Thomas Perkins.

March

27.

Abram Hobbs of a Dropsy. JEt. 67.

July

8.

Abigail wife of Stephen Foster, Con-

-

sump11, 46.

Sep1'

25.

Widow Martha Clarke of a putrid
fever. ^Et. 84.

Jan? 21,

1787.

An infant, daughter of David Balch,
Junr.

April

17.

David Balch of a palsy. iEt. 73.

May

21.

An infant, daughter of Aaron Kneeland.

June

25.

Elisha Willes, Complication of dis-
orders. H3t. 67.

Decern1'

15.

Rhoda, wife of David Hobbs.

Jan? 25,

1788.

Simon Brad street. JEt. 84.

Jan>'

31.

Joshua Towne, of an inflamatory fever.
2Et. 65 years.

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

147

March

1st.

Polly, daughter of Elisha Perkins.
Canker- rash. Mt. 2 years & -J.

March

26.

Anna, wife of Israel Clarke.

April

15.

Jacob, an infant son of John Dwinell.

April

17.

John Perkins Junr of a Scarlet Fev.
31.

Hannah wife of Deacon Solomon
Dodge.

Oct.

7.

Oct.

19.

Josiah Son of Josiah Lamson.

December 20th 1788. Ester Gould, widow of Deacon

John Gould. Mt. 71.

Nov. 24th A.D. 1789. Israel Clark, aged 88.

March 19th A.D.

1790. Mary Perkins, Relict of Cap1.
John Perkins. Aged 76.

March

23d.

Rebecca Foster, Relict of Deacon Ste-
phen Foster. Aged 75.

April

1st.

Mrs Elizabeth Emerson, Widow of ye
Rev. John Emerson. Aged 81.

April

5 th.

Hannah Gould wife of Nathaniel Gould.
iEt 34.

May

7 th.

Daniel Esty Jr. Mt. 21.

May

18th.

Nathaniel Bragg. Mt. 88.

May

22.

Mrs Averill Widow of Cap1 Averill
deceased. Mt. 84.

July

21st.

Israel Clark. Mt. 58.

Oct1'

5th.

Doctr Joseph Bradstreet. Aged .

Oct1*

23d.

Cap1 Stephen Perkins. Aged 64.

Nov.

17th.

Mehitable Kimball Daughter of Mr
Jacob Kimball. Aged 32 [Total 11] .

148

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

Jan. 1st A.D. 1791. Sally Gould wife of John Gould 3rd

aged .

Jan.

10th.

Thomas Symonds. Mt. 8Q.

March

30th.

Mrs Cummins Wife of Joseph Cummins.

June

6th.

Mrs Lucy Cleaveland wife of Nehemiah
Cleaveland Esq1'. Mt. 29.

June

l4th.

Jacob Averell. Mt. 88.

July

13th.

Stephen Foster. Mt. .

Sep1

9th.

Anna Hobbs. Widow. Mt. 82.

Octr

4th.

Widow Porter. Mt. 81. [Total 8].

Jan. 11th A.D. 17

92. A child of Oliver Perkins.

Jan

20th.

A child of Jacob Towne Junr.

April

•

Rebeca Gould wife of Zacheus Gould.
Mt. 70.

Nathan Hood. Mt. 87.

May

4th.

July

Robert, a child of Robert Lake. Aged
3 years.

David, a child of John Gould. Aged 2
years.

July

22d.

Mrs Anna Cummings, Widow of Revd
Joseph Cummings. ^Et. 38.

Augst

5th.

Samson, a negro man. Mt. 60.

Sept.

29th.

Priscilla Kimball Daughter of Jacob
Kimball Mt. 27th.

Oct1'

6th.

The Widow Hovey. iEt. 72.

Oct1'

14th.

A Child of Asehel Huntington.

December

6th.

Mrs Cummings Wife of Cap1 Thomas
Cummings. Mt. — .

December

7th.

Mrs Priscilla Kimball, wife of Mr. Ja-
cob Kimball. Mt. — .

January 2d, 1793. Mr Zaccheus Gould. JEt. 75.

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

149

April

June

Aug1

Sept.

Sept

Octr

. Anna Wallis, JEt. 73.

. Mr Butman. JEt. 16.

. A child of John Perkins, Jnr. Drowned

JEt. 6 years.

. M1S Gould wife of Simon Gould, quite

aged.

10th. Mr Ephraim Towne JEt. 68.

. Asa Bradstreet. JEt. 25. Killed by y°

Wheels of a loaded W aggon which
passed over his head.

A child of Dudley Wildes, infant.

January 22d, 1794. Betsy Perkins Daughter of Amos Per-
kins. JEt. 29.

27th. Nathan Perkins. JEt. 64.

. A child of John Perkins, Jnr.

1st. Widow Rebecca Balch. JEt. 80.

. Cap1 Joseph Cummings. JEt. 101.

. John Cree. JEt. 72.

21st. Widow Dorman.

Mrs Symouds.

December.

A child of Asa Perkins. 3 yrs old.

Feb. 18,

1795.

Mrs.Lake* JEt. 65.

March

2d.

Jemima Fisk. JEt. 46.

April

25th.

Lydia Kimball. JEt. 22.

April

27th.

Experience a child of Neheh Cleaveland.

May

13th.

The Widow Rust. JEt. 90.

June

2d.

Benjamin Bixby, Jr. Aged 17 years.
Humphry, a son of Zaccheus Gould.

Aged two & half years.

A child of Stephen Perley 2d JEt. 5
years.

Jan.

Feb.

March

April

May

June

Saj-z^j

150

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

June

22d.

Oliver, a son of Simon Gould, Jr.
Aged 5 years.

July

12th.

Joshua Conant. Mt. 15 yrs.

July

15 th.

A child of Elijah Gould. Mt. 5 months.

July

19th.

A child of Elijah Gould. Mt. 24 yrs.

Augst

21st.

Cornelius Balch. iEt. 45.

Augst 30th

& Sept.

, 1st. Two children of Joseph Cree
one aged three, & ye other five
years. Both buried at once.

Sept.

4th

John Cree, a child of Joseph Cree.
Mt, short of a year.

Octr

14th.

A child of John Perkins, Jr.

The above children &> youth who have
died since June 1st Died with ye
Scarlatina Anginasa.

Octr

27th.

Abraham Foster. Mt. 77. In usual
health, fainted & Died in a moment.

Octr

29th.

A son of the Widow Towne Aged ten
years — of ye scarletina.

Decembr

17th.

John Perkins of a lingering illness.
iEt. 74.

Decembr

20th.

Mr Rhodes a native of Marblehead,
found Dead in ye in field. Mt. 52.

March 29th,

1796.

Eliezer Lake. ^Et. 67 years.

Samuel Cummings. Mt. 64 years.

A child of Thomas Tenney. Mt. 5
years.

April

5 th.

Betsey Gould. Mt. 22.

April

7th.

Phillip Kneeland. iEt. 82 years.

April

11th.

Nehemiah, son of Nehemiah Cleveland,
a Child ^Et. 3 years. Scarletina.

May

8th.

Hannah Moore. Mt. 20 years. Con-

sumption.

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

151

July

•

A child of Jonas Merriam Alt. 3
months.

August

11th.

A child of Simon Gould Jr iEt. 7
months. Scarletina.

Sept.

9th.

A child of Daniel Bordman Alt. 8
years. Scarletina.

Octr

26th.

Stephen Perkins. Alt. 50. Illiac Pas-
sion.

Nov1'

20th.

David Kimball Alt. 24. Putrid fever.

Decembr

11th.

William Perkins Alt. 32. Consumption.

June 14 th

1797.

John Rea, aged 67 years Dropsy.

June

28th.

Priscilla Smith Widdow of Sam11 Smith
Esqr Deceased, Alt. 83.

[The above is recorded May 27, 1797,
on Town Records.]

Sep1

9th.

Mrs Averell Wife of Elijah Averell.
Alt. 36 years.

Oct,r

10th.

John Lamson. Alt. 70 years.

Two infant, twin children of Moses
Averell.

Novr Mrs Cummings Wife of Jonathan Cum-

mings.

Mrs Elisabeth wife of Mr Jonathan
Cummings departed this life October
20th 1797 aged 52 years.

February 21st, 1798. A child of Joseph Gould. Alt. one

year.

Died at Topsfield on the 17th day of
May 1798 at the dwelling house of
Daniel Balch, Jacob Cale aged about
16 years a Native of Edenton in
North Carolina.

152

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFJELI).

July

July

Sept1'

Octr

Nov

Decern br

25th. John Balch JE t. 59. very suddenly.
29th. Moses Averell. JEt. 29.

John Le Favour. JEt. 81.

Mrs Plummer. JEt. 36.

Mr Plummer.

Widdow Kezia Dunnel. JEt. 80.

January 24th 1799. A child of Sylvanus Willes. JEt. 3 yr.

January

28th.

A child of Israel Rea. JEt. 2 years.

Feb.

16th.

The wife of Elnathan Hubbard. JEt.

50 years.

Feb?

20th.

Abigail Towne sister of David and

Joseph Towne. JEt. 56.

March

17 th.

An Infant child of Joseph Gould, Jur.

May

22d.

Widdow Priscilla Averell JEt. 94

years.

Septr

22d.

A child of Abraham Hobbs, Jr JEt. 3

months.

Octr

27.

Ephraim Towne, Jur. JEt. 21 years.

Nov.

9 th

Richard an infant child of John Hood,
Jr.

Ma}' 8,

1800.

Black child belonging to Nantz. JEt. 2

years.

May

12th.

Mrs Elisabeth Towne, wife of Jacob

Towne. JEt. 68.

June

12th.

A child of Thomas Perkins. JEt. 8.

June

24th.

John Conant, suddenly. JEt. 32.

June

29th.

Widdow Ruth Cree. JEt. 71.

July

Augst

21st.

6th.

An infant child of Enos Lake ) 'pwjnc;
An infant child of Enos Lake )

Augst

9th.

Widdow Sarah Towne, Relict of Eph-

raim Towne. JEt. 72.

RECORD OF DEATHS IN TOPSFIELD.

153

July

Augst

Sept1’

Septr

27th. An infant child belonging to Abram
Hobbs, Jr.

22. Nathaniel Foster. Mt. 37.

20th. Isaac Averell, Jr A.M. Candidate for
the ministry. Was under a call f111
ye chh. in Brookfield south parish.
The 1st Day of Octr was appointed
for his ordination. 2Et. 33.

29. Fanny Perley Daughter of Stephen
Perley. Mi. 13.

12th. Catharine Wildes. Mt. 86.

October

154

Letters From a Gold Hooter.

CALIFORNIA JOURNALS AND CORRESPONDENCE OF DAVID LAKE OF TOPSFIELD,

mass., 1852-1855.

Edited by Geo. Frs. Dow.

In the spring of 1848, San Francis-
co on the Californian coast was a
village of about seven hundred
inhabitants, and boasted of two
weekly newspapers, the '‘Califor-
nian” and the “California Star.”
On the 15th of March of that year
the former printed a short paragraph
saying that gold had been discov-
ered at Sutter’s mill on the Ameri-
can river. The news received but
passing attention at the time but
soon came accounts of the increasing
production of gold and men began
to leave for the mines in large num-
bers. By the middle of June the
news had spread over the whole
territory, and stores, workshops,
wives and even fields of ripened
grain were left to care for them-
selves.

The Pacific seaports were soon
filled with the contagion of gold
excitement, but it was not until the
latter part of the year that the news
reached the Atlantic sea board, and
even then it was received with but
little credence, but the arrival of
large amounts of “dust” at Panama
and New York in the latter part of
the winter, put an end to all doubt
and caused a rush of migration
unparalleled in modern history.
Rumor had it, and the newspapers of
the day confirmed the story, that the
valleys and ravines of the Pacific
coast showed the presence of vast

deposits of nuggets and particles
of pure gold. Any man who could
wield a pick and shovel and a tin
pan for washing the dirt was sure of
a fortune. The wildest excitement
prevailed throughout the country and
every city and town furnished its
quota of feverish gold seekers. Men
of all ages and occupations joined in
the mad rush for sudden wealth.

The adventurers had several routes
from which to choose. Those from
New England and the Middle States
generally went by sailing vessel via
Cape Horn ; those from the Southern
States chose the Isthmus of Panama,
or Mexico, while the Western
pioneers braved the perils and hard-
ships of the prairie trails and Rocky
Mountain passes. The Essex county
men in the early stages of the rush
almost without exception went via
the Cape in small sailing vessels
from Newburyport or Boston.
Schooners, brigs, sailing vessels of all
ages and conditions were trans-
formed by a coat of paint, and after
fitting out for the long voyage sailed
with full passenger lists, too often in
the direction of misery, shipwreck
and death.

The first to go from Topsfield were
the brothers Constantine and Alfred
McKenzie and Nathaniel Foster, the
first two sailing from Boston Nov.
13, 1849 in the B. L. Allen, a
schooner of only 150 tons, Capt.

155

Isaac Morgan, afterwards of this
town, commander, while Foster
sailed on the same day from New-
buryport in the bark Anna, Capt.
Savory. Singularly enough the two
vessels reached Cape Horn on the
same day, the passengers of the B. L.
Allen making a landing on Horn
Island. The Allen carried twenty
passengers and a crew of nine men.
The passage cost each man Si 25.
Constantine McKenzie found a per-
manent home in California, at last
meeting an untimely fate in Jan.
1896 in a lonely gulch in the moun-
tains. No one knows the exact
manner of his death, but his remains
were found in the ruins of a burned
log cabin and it was supposed that
robbers had committed the fell crime.
Alfred McKenzie is now living in
Peabody and Nathaniel Foster lives
in Linebrook Parish, Ipswich.

The early 50’s saw a number of
Topsfield men start for the Golden
Gate. Ariel Gould, who afterwards
carried on a large butchering business
in town ; Peter Creelman, a Scotch-
man who lived on what is now the
Webster place ; Emerson P. Gould,
who afterwards enlisted in the army
and died in a hospital at Baton
Rouge, La. ; Charles Foster, who
lived just over the line in Boxford ;
John Brown Lake, who returned
home after reaching Panama ; Dean
Perley, who now lives in Danvers
and is engaged in the blacksmith
business ; Gorham Scribner, David
Lake, the principal of this journal
and David G. Lake his son, were
among the number. David Lake,
Jr., was the son of David and Sally
Lake. He was born in Topsfield in
1807, and married first Lucy Putnam

Gould, second, Harriet Wilkins of
Middleton. His children were
David G., who went to California in
1854 and is now living in Peabody ;
Henry W., now living in Topsfield ;
George W., living in Nagasaki,
Japan; Sarah H., married Wm
Garrett, lives at the old homestead ;
Edward, in business at Nagasaki,
Japan.

His California journals and cor-
respondence are here arranged in the
form of a personal narrative though
not confined to his exact phraseology.

NARRATIVE.

It was on Monday morning, Feb-
ruary 2nd, 1852, that I left home
bound for California. William H.
Balch drove me to Salem, for the
Newburvport railroad had not been
built. We reached Salem at about
12 o’clock and after waiting about
the station until after one o'clock I
asked the depot master when the
train would arrive. He said he
didn’t know, it should have arrived
an hour before. As the train for
New York left the Worcester depot
in Boston at 3 o’clock, it looked
rather discouraging for me, but
Balch went to Leavitt’s stable and
had a fresh horse harnessed and we
put for Boston. The travelling was
bad but we reached the depot at five
minutes before three, so I had just
time to get my ticket and put my
baggage aboard. At New Haven I
found John Brown Lake who had
left Topsfield the previous day, and
in New York we found Myles and
Charles Sweeney of Boston who were
known in Topsfield and afterwards
lived there.

We arrived in New York after

156

midnight, and the next morning
purchased our tickets for Chagres,
the port on this side of the Isthmus
of Panama, sailing at one o’clock on
the steamer Crescent City, the decks
crowded with men bound fpr Califor-
nia. Not a great deal happened of
interest on the voyage. At first a
good many were sea sick of course,
but after reaching the Gulf stream
the weather was fine and we enjoyed
the voyage. The fare was good,

generally beef and pork with bread
and coffee for breakfast; for dinner
beef, boiled beans and bread, and
boiled rice, boiled in grease I should
think. When supper time came
around we had bread and butter and
apple sauce with plenty of hot tea.
We were divided off into messes of
one hundred each. The third day
out a man was killed by the crank of
the engine. He died instantly.
His neck was broken and his head
badly crushed. They threw the
body overboard without much cere-
mony. The last part of the voyage
we got but two meals a day, but as it
was hot, and not being able to exer-
cise very much, it was all we needed.
One day one of the waiters, a young
fellow, was punished for insulting
some of the passengers. He was
taken to the hurricane deck and his
hands were tied to the railing. Then
the mate took the hose and gave him
a soaking. The captain was present.

We reached the harbor of Chagres
on Sunday morning. The steamer
had to anchor about two miles from
the shore and we were taken to the
landing in small boats. As soon as
we reached land a bargain was made
with some native boatmen and about
noon we started in a small boat up

the Chagres river bound for Panama,
making about twenty miles that
afternoon. Early the next morning
we were off again and at night had
arrived within six miles of Gorgona.
We slept in the boat as we had the
previous night and in the morning
with about 200 others, started on
foot for Gorgona, with two Indian
boys as guides. The current of the
river was very rapid at this point and
the boatmen could only take our
baggage, so there was nothing to do
but walk. Our sail up the river was
very pleasant, the flowers were so
bright and everything looked so
green. We saw several small alli-
gators sunning themselves on the
trunks of trees as they lay in the
water. On the tramp to Gorgona
the guides lost their way twice and
we were pretty tired on reaching the
town.

After breakfasting, mules were
hired to carry us to Panama, about
twenty-five miles further on. We
were nearly nine hours in going and
the road was the worst thing called a
road that I ever saw in my life. It
was nothing but a narrow path.
Sometimes the banks on each side
were higher than my head and only
wide enough for one mule to pass
through. The first part of the road
was composed of water, stones and
mud — mostly mud. The mule would
first pitch me on to his neck ; then
his hind feet sinking deeply into
the mud would throw me back
towards his tail and every now and
then he would suddenly lie down and
bring me up standing in mud half
way 'up to my knees.

Finally reaching Panama we put
up at the California House. The

157

rate was $1.50 per day. Our party
consisted of Myles and Charles
Sweeney, Peter Creelman, John
Brown Lake and myself. While
looking round for a passage up the
coast we decided to board ourselves
and so took part of our baggage
and started for the woods, locating
about 2J miles from Panama, near a
small brook. We built a shanty
with the branches of trees, a very
comfortable shelter. There were
hundreds of just such cabins all
around us.

Panama was a miserable looking
place. The buildings were very old
and a great many of them tumbling
dow'n. The drinking water was very
poor. All the wells were dry and
water had to be brought on mule back
from some distance. In wandering
around one day I came across the
ruins of the old city of Panama
which I found out was destroyed by
Spanish pirates more than two hun-
dred years ago. On some of the
crumbling walls were trees that had
grown to a diameter of five or six
feet. There was an arched gateway
some forty feet high, and ruins of
stone fountains and baths.

Near our camp were a great many
Indians. They were a shiftless lot.
The women did the washing for the
inhabitants of Panama. It was a
great sight to see them on the banks
of the brook washing clothes, having
only a small piece of cloth tied
around their hips. The men, or the
greater number of them, were as
lightly clad, while the children never
wore anything. One day an Indian
woman came up near our cabin with-
out the least thing on and dove into
the water in front of quite a crowd.

She swam under water a longer dis-
tance than I ever saw anybody
before.

But we didn’t expect on starting
for California to spend our time
waiting around Panama. The gold
fever had brought an immense num-
ber of men from the States and the
few steamers and sailing vessels on
the Pacific coast couldn’t begin to
furnish a sufficient number of pas-
sages. Several sailing vessels were
in the bay and the steamer Tennes-
see as well, but she was a mail
steamer and would only take passen-
gers having tickets sold via the mail
line. The prospect was discouraging
and after waiting about for nearly two
weeks, John Brown Lake and Sam-
uel Groodell, who was from Boxford
and arrived shortly after we did,
became faint hearted and announced
that they were going home. I was
sorry to part with them, but they
couldn’t be shaken from their pur-
pose, so February 25th they started
back across the Isthmus, carrying
with 'them many messages to the
loved ones at home.

The days dragged slowly by until
finally, early in March, I secured a
passage in the bark Emily, Capt.
Hervy. The Sweenys went on the
Clarissa Andrews, sailing a few
days after I did. There were about
200 of us on board and the food was
at first sufficient and in a way satis-
factory, but the supply of water soon
became reduced. When we started
each man’s ration per day was 1£
pints of water, a pint of coffee, a
pint of beef tea, plenty of pork,
about half a pound of bread and half
a pound of flour which we made into
duff, nothing more or less than flour

158

mixed in water and boiled in a bag.
But before long supplies began to
run short and the latter part of May
the daily ration was a quart of water,
five table-spoonfuls of flour, three
ounces of bread, a pint of rice and
three table-spoonfuls of sugar. Not
a very large amount of eatables for a
hungry man. To be sure salt beef
could be had, but with so little water
we found we had better stop eating
it as a hollow stomach was preferable
to a burning thirst.

On the 28th of May we reached
Massanilla on the Mexican coast and
put in for provisions. The natives
came off to our vessel in boats made
of the butt of a tree. The town
wasn’t much of a place ; only about
thirty native huts. After staying
here two days we sailed for San Bias,
180 miles farther up the coast, arriv-
ing there on the afternoon of June
9th. Fourteen vessels lay at anchor in
the bay and the view along the shore
line was magnificent. About the
town was a collection of native huts,
simple affairs roofed with grass and
palm branches, but the natives of the
better classes, Spaniards and Mex-
icans, lived and dressed much as we
do, save that all had a fancy for
bright colors. The men went about
with a richly hued blanket hanging
over one shoulder. Sometimes for a
change a hole would be cut in the
centre and the blanket would hang
down before and behind. All wore
broad brimmed hats.

At San Bias some ninety of our
passengers left, each receiving
$15 passage money from the captain,
and went on board a bark lying in
the bay bound for California. Those
of us who were left didn’t feel sorry

over their departure for it gave us
more and better accommodations.
We little thought as we saw them
sail out to sea that more than a
month would elapse before we got
away from that half dead and alive
Mexican settlement.

When we reached San Bias the
supply of provisions on the Emily
was nearly exhausted, and we had
not been there very long when it
came out that Capt. Hervev hadn’t
money to buy enough more to take
us to California. After making some
arrangements on shore whereby we
were suppled with fresh cow beef and
coarse bread every day, he started
for Tepic, a town about 40 miles
inland, where the United States con-
sul lived, to try and raise money on
the vessel. The cargo of the Emily
consisted of about 500 tons of coal
and that was really the only thing
that saved us. Coal was in demand
on the coast and brought a good price
at Acapulco, where the steamers made
a landing. The captain didn’t want
to give up his vessel into the consul’s
hands for the benefit of the passen-
gers and so made several proposi-
tions to committees we sent to see
him. There were two or three other
vessels near by and one of them
wanted to take us up the coast, so
Capt. Hervey drew up a subscription
paper and passed it around. All he
could raise was $1020, not enough
with what he already had to charter
the vessel, so that fine plan went up
in smoke. Finally after wearisome
delays the consul took possession of
the Emily and advanced us $37
apiece indemnity, the value of the
coal. A committee was then ap-
pointed to charter a vessel and after

159

more delays they reported that the
captain of the brig Archibald Gracia
would take us for $40 a head. That
meant $500 more than the coal
would bring, and we attempted
to raise it, but $400 was all we
had. After more negotiations some-
body paid the $100. I think it must
have been Capt. Hervey.

Capt. Peters of the Archibald
Gracia hired three or four native
huts and July 18th we left the Emily
for good. Instead of receiving daily
rations we were given a loaf of bread
and twenty cents eacli to pur-
chase provisions. I went to the
baker’s every night and bought good
warm bread or cakes. There were
two bake-houses but they would
only bake at just such times. They
were an awfully lazy set. Might
have sold three times as much bread
as they did if they would only bake
it. For that matter I couldn’t see
what suppoited the natives, anyway,
for they never seemed to do any
work.

There were three butchers in San
Bias and the sign they hung out was
a red flag. 1 was interested in the
way in which they cut up their beef.
They would hang up a quarter and
beginning on the leg cut down the
whole length in narrow strips.
What little meat was left on the
bone was dried and called jerked
beef. Beef was worth 12 cents a
pound and pork the same. About a
pint of the smallest potatoes I ever
saw brought 6J cents. Flour was
worth $12.00 per hundred pounds,
and coffee was sold done up in
small papers, about three tea-
spoonfuls for 6J cents. The women
appeared to do about all the business,

tending store, buying provisions, etc.

Sunday was the same as any other
day in the week. The shops all kept
open. There was a Catholic church
about two miles away from the town,
but I couldn’t find out that they ever
had any service.

There was a tavern in the place
kept by an Englishman, who had
married a Mexican woman. She
was enormously stout, and must have
weighed 300 pounds. Near the
tavern were a few very large shade
trees and on a branch of one of them
I carved my full name and the town
I came from.

Not far off were the ruins of an
old castle and near by was a new one
only half completed. It was situated
on a very high hill from which there
was a splendid view of the bay and
the river winding its way back into
the country. Pious Catholics had
erected a shrine at the foot of the
hill, with an altar and crucifix, orna-
mented with candles and flowers.

Fourth of July we had spent on
board the Emily. All the celebra-
tion I saw was a sunrise and sunset
gun on board the American bark with
colors flying all day. My thoughts
went back to the old home in Tops-
field, and I wondered if my boys had
got their fire crackers and were en-
joying themselves. We were in par-
ticularly hard lines about that time.
Nothing was cooked for us save , tea
night and morning, but as there was
plenty of rice aboard we boiled that
and got along as best we could with
only two cooking stoves among 150
men. The man who got his rice on
the stove first was the best fellow.

Early on the morning of the 27th
of July we went on board the Archi-

160

bald Gracia and just after sunrise
sailed out into the bay. Nearly 200
passengers were on board ; 152 com-
ing on the Emily, 16 more from
Mazatlan on the Archibald and about
20 from a vessel that had been con-
demned at Massanilla. The captain
had his wife with him. She was a
Mexican and it was reported, very
wealthy. There were several other
Mexican passengers, one having his
fifteen year old wife with him.

The brig carried two bulls and
seventy-five pigs to help out on the
provisions. At first we fared very
well with soup made of jerked beef ;
boiled beans and potatoes ; \ lb. of
bread, with coffee, tea and 1 J pints
of water per day. The second Sun-
day out one of the bulls was killed
and we had bull-beef soup for dinner.
The weather was pleasant and we
made Cape St. Lucas on the southern
California coast on Aug. 14th. On
the thirteenth day out we were given
only a pint of water and a little beef
soup. There was a good deal of
sickness on board, over sixty being
on the doctor’s list ill with dysentery
or fever and ague. A great many
suffered from lack of water, and for
three days in succession I gave my
allowance to some sick men. My
health was excellent considering the
surroundings, for which I was very
thankful, for the sick suffered great-
ly from lack of water and proper nour-
ishment. They had the same allow-
ance of food as we well men, but no
medicine, for the small supply on
board was soon exhausted. The
water allowance was cut down again
on the 18th, and my dinner that day
consisted of ten little pig potatoes
and a piece of jerked beef about as

large as two fingers. The next
night a young man from New Jersey
named William Little, who had
shared my berth and was one of our
mess, died of dysentery. The body
was tossed over the side after a short
burial service. It was a most revolt-
ing sight to see the sick passengers
crawling about the decks, pale and
yellow as death, mere walking skele-
tons. Some had very sore mouths,
and could eat our coarse fare only
with difficulty. A few days later the
water ration was cut down again,
this time to only a pint daily, with
no tea or coffee. Our dinner that
day was ten small pig potatoes, and
a small raw onion. They told us
that our supper would be what we
could get, and that was all we did
get — absolutely nothing, and so the
days dragged slowly by. Capt.
Peters had expressed great surprise
at our treatment on the Emily, when
the Archibald Gracia was chartered,
but he had now proved himself a
two faced villain. The water and
provisions taken aboard on our
account were of poor quality and
insufficient for even thirty days. We
didn’t reach San Francisco until
Sept. 11th, spending forty-seven
days in his starving pen. Toward
the latter part of the voyage drinking
water became almost priceless ; a
junk bottle full was worth a dollar.
Many a dollar have I seen spent for
water, dollars that were needed badly
enough when California was finally
reached. I remember one day I
was fortunate enough to get a bone
a sailor was about throwing over-
board. It was salt pork freshened
somewhat, and had a little meat
clinging to it. After eating all I

161

dared, I gave it to a young man near
me. How he thanked me — I re-
member it even now. Nothing but
the bone remained when he had
finished. At last land was sighted,
a most welcome sight and with it
came an extra pint of water for each,
but a small amount when a man was
as dry and faint as we were. The
weather fortunately had been cool or
our sufferings would have been in-
tense.

On the afternoon of the 11th of
September we sailed through the
capes into tbe Bay of San Francisco
and the next morning landed, grate-
ful that our lives had been spared.
Health officers came aboard and took
off thirteen men who were unable to
help themselves and carried them off
to some hospital. I never learned
how many recovered, most of them,
no doubt. We were all barely able
to move about, mere skeletons. I
could easily clasp one hand around
my ankle. For the last fourteen
days of the voyage we had had no
bread and but a pint of water a day,
nothing but pig potatoes and a little
pork to keep soul and body together.

I kept a list of those who died and
were thrown overboard on the two
vessels, the Emily and the 'Archibald
Gracia. The list is of interest and
may be historically valuable. One
case in particular struck me as sin-
gular. Leonard Batchelder and
Albert Kathern, both from the same
town in Vermont, were great friends,
always together, sleeping in the same
berth. Strong fellows born andjbred
in the country, the hardships of the
voyage were too much for them. They
died on the same day, the 21st of
August. The bodies lay side by

side on the deck, the burial service
was read, and all that was mortal
sank into the waves far away from
home and among strangers.

List of those who died on board
the brig Emily between Panama and
San Bias, and on the brig Archibald
Gracia between San Bias and San
Franciso in the year 1852.

DIED. NAME. STATE. AGE.

Mar. 16, Julius Bailey, North Carolina, 17
17, H. F. Gatt, Georgia, 23

17, Clifford Stone, Georgia, 20
20, Alfred Drake, Wisconsin, 28
23, James Hickey, Louisiana, 21

27, Daniel B. Reed, Georgia, 23
Apr. 6, James White, Vermont, 24

12, Ira Norton, Georgia, 25

12, George W. Myers, Georgia, 20
19, Adolphus Stone, Georgia, 23
May 2, Thomas Roberts, Indiana, 19
9, Smith Shelding, New York, —

11, Rancilier Van Deusen, N. Y. 28

12, Orlin Burnham, New York, 25

13, Cornelius Rowe, Ohio, 52

28, James M. Anderson, Georgia, 26

June 2, Paul Storks, Georgia, 36

14, Joseph Lemanse, Georgia, 52
26, Anthony — , North Carolina, —

Aug. 6, James McKinney, Louisiana, 26
7, Antonio Rina, San Bias, 20
11, Chas. E. Reed, Boston, Mass. 22

15, Samuel H. Heath, Georgia, 42

16, Frederick Brown, Ohio, 22

19, Henry Claus, Ohio, 23

19, James F. Copeling, Georgia, 35

19, Burnet Dyre, Upper Canada, 40

20, Leonard L. Small, Maine, 22

20, William Little, New Jersey, 20

21, Leonard Batchelder, Vt., 36

21, Albert Kathern, Vermont, 23

22, Gager Roberts, Georgia, 19
33, Hallet Lanning, Indiana, 24

26, James Rafferty, New York, 23

27, Absalom Finley, Georgia, 32
31, David Taylor, New Jersey, 27

Sept. 3, William McCatchings, Ga., 18
The day we landed I found near
the wharf Capt. ;Wm. Morgan who
afterwards lived in Topsfield and
married Miss Ellen Kimball, daugh-
ter of William E. Kimball. He told

162

me where I could find my wife’s
cousin, Wm. Wallace Wilkins, who
was from Middleton. He was living
about twenty miles south from San
Francisco, carrying on a farm called
Bolemus Ranch. There was no way
of getting there except by water, so
I thought myself fortunate in finding
a boat going down the coast that very
day. William was glad to see me,
and as it was said to be unhealthy in
the mining camps at that season of
the year he told me to stay with him
and work what little I could on the
ranch, and so I did, for nearly three
months, slowly gaining in flesh and
strength.

Game was plentiful and our farm
products brought big prices in the
San Francisco markets. Eggs were
worth SI. 50 a dozen and butter the
same price per pound. Potatoes
brought four cents a pound, beans
eight cents, and milk easily sold at
thirty-seven cents a quart.

But gold dust was what I was
after, and as my strength came back
I grew anxious to try my luck in the
camps, so early in December I said
good-bye to Bolemus Ranch and
started for Sacramento city. When
I arrived, there was but little of the
city left, for a fire had swept away
everything but a few scattering
buildings a few days before. A
large number of temporary buildings
were going up and everything was in
confusion. It was the dirtiest and
muddiest place I had ever seen.
The river was high and a levee along
the bank was the only thing that
prevented an inundation.

From Sacramento City I started on
foot for Mormon Island, a mining
camp on the south fork of the Amer-

ican river. The settlement com-
prised some twenty-five fair sized
frame buildings, and hundreds of
miner’s huts built of a few pieces of
joist or straight limbs of trees stuck
into the ground and then covered
with canvas. It was a curious
mixture of nationalities gathered in
that mining camp. Men from all
over the United States, with a good
many foreigners. Chinese were
there and passed up and down daily
from the settlements up the river,
while a few digger Indians hung
aroung the taverns. They were an
ugly looking lot. I was told they
burnt thei]? dead as an emblem of
mourning, afterwards using the
ashes mixed with the sap of the pine
tree as a paint to daub on their faces.
I saw several Indian women so
decorated.

It was the rainy season and min-
ing at that time of year meant ex-
posure with much hardship. Fortu-
nately a good berth turned up at a
tavern kept by a man named Jarvis
where I earned my board and forty
dollars a month until the following
spring. One Sunday afternoon the
latter part of April, I took a walk
down the river to a place called
Brown’s ravine, and happened to
find a man there washing for gold.
We talked mining and I soon struck
up a bargain for a cradle and a right
to work in his claim. The next day
came my first actual experience in
gold mining. It was slow work
washing out the dust. The first two
weeks I earned a little over $32, it
costing me about fifty cents a day
for provisions, but I soon grew more
skillful and by July the weekly
average was about $30. Some weeks

163

it would be nearly $50, and one day
early in August I washed out dust
that brought $12.75. I continued
successful, having better luck than
any of the men around me. Skill I
called it, for I had bought a claim
that was considered of little value
and yet was washing out more gold a
day than any of the other miners at
the Island. My claim was on top of
a hill back of our cabin. Water
came from a spring near the top and
was diverted to flow over a ledge
into sluice boxes where the gravel
was washed and the particles of gold
separated. It was monotonous work,
the day’s labor beginning at sunrise
and lasting until darkness came
down upon us.

Life at the Island offered usually
but little excitement. I saw but
little of the gambling and rioting said
to be associated with mining life.
Once in a while an accident would
happen, timbers giving away in some
shaft, with broken limbs as a result,
and sometimes a poor miner buried
alive. Theft of course was not un-
known, but when caught the miners
were not particularly careful how
they handled the thief. One day
two fellows who stole $200, from a
sick man were lashed with knotted
ropes until their backs were raw and
streaming with blood, then taken
before a justice who sent them to
Sacramento jail. One of the rogues
died from the effects of the whipping.
Another time a negro stole eleven
dollars from a miner’s cabin. In
some way it was discovered that he
committed the theft and after a
barrel head hearing of the evidence,
a rope was brought and in no time
the poor devil was swinging from the

limb of a tree near at hand. Mur-
derers were treated to the same med-
icine. A Spaniard stabbed a man in
the side one afternoon as the result
of a quarrel. The miner lived only
a few hours, dying at about five
o’clock. Twenty minutes later the
Spaniard was hanging lifeless from
the limb of a tree. Lynch law, you
will say. True, but in some respects
better than the long drawn out trial
in Massachusetts, where the lawyer
pleads insanity and after hunting up
evidence in proof, the murderer is
finally sent to an insane asylum, in
time to become cured and turned
loose again on society.

New men from the States fre-
quently reached the Island, many of
them expecting to find fortunes wait-
ing for them and when realizing the
difficulties in the way wishing them-
selves safety home again.

The following list of prices pre-
vailed at Mormon Island in June,
1853.

Flour, per pound,

.09

Lard, “

.32

Beans, “

.12*

Butter, “

.60

Sugar, “

.15

Salmon, “

.10

Onions, “

.50

Potatoes, “

.15

Pork steak, “

.75

Eggs, per dozen,

$3.00

Milk, per quart.

.25

Newspapers, each,

12*

David Lake abandoned

mining in

1855, and returned home early in the
Fall, via the Isthmus. Of the return
trip I can learn nothing, there being
no written account, but the motives
for the homeward journey are shown

to have been unsettled business mat-
ters at home, and ill health, brought
about by a fractured hip resulting
from an accidental fall while mining.
Mr. Lake lived on his farm in Tops-
field until the Spring of 1859, when
the old liking for the yellow dust
caused him to start out again bound
for California. April 15th found
him on the steamer St. Louis, off the
harbor of Aspiuwall. A hurriedly
penciled note, the last message his
family ever received, told them he
was about landing, and spoke of a
slight illness that had overtaken him

the previous day. This caused no
alarm at the time, but as the weeks
and months rolled by and the mails
brought no news from across the
continent, the conviction slowly grew
upon them that a second letter would
never be received, that sickness and
death had crossed his path. The
captain of the Pacific steamer when
questioned in San Francisco by a
friend of the family, told of Mr.
Lake’s death on the first day out
from Panama. He had crossed the
Isthmus only to find a sailor’s grave
in the blue waters of the Pacific.

The Howlett Mills.

WITH SOME ACCOUNT OF THE HOBBS FAMILY IN TOPSIELD.

By Marietta Clarke.

The date of the erection of Hew-
lett’s gristmill may be placed, as
nearly as can be ascertained from
the records, between the years of
1738 and 1740. The sawmill was
built some two or three years later.
There is a tradition that a gristmill
was located there much earlier than
the above named date. The old mill
is said to have been some distance
back of the present one, at a bend in
the brook directly opposite the site
of William Howlett’s house. I am
also told that the conformation of
the channel seems to indicate that
there might have been at some time
a dam farther back than the present
one.

This is only hearsay and conjec-
ture, but I have positive proof from
old deeds that there were mills here of
some kind, previous to the date above
given. I quote the following from a
deed given by William Howlett to
his son Thomas Howlett dated July
30, 1709 : “To my son Thomas How-
lett, all that my farm, messuage or
tenement on which I myself and my
said son dwells. All which said
tracts of land, whether pasturage,
tillage, woodland or meadow ground
on these bounds contained, together
with all the buildings or dwelling
houses, barns, outhouses, wells,
springs, watercourses, fences, mitts,
trees, etc.” Also from another deed
given by William Howlett to his
nephew John Howlett, dated May 21,
1715 : “Convey all the said tracts of

iand with all the buildings, dwelling
houses, barns, outhouses, fences,
mills, trees, etc.” There is no
mention of “mills” in Ensign How-
lett’s will dated 1677. They were
therefore probably erected at some
time between that date and 1709 by
William Howlett.

Tradition further claims that these
mills fell into disuse on account of
trouble about flowing the meadows
in the vicinity. This would seem to
be confirmed by the following deposi-
tion given in one of Benjamin Hobbs’
numerous lawsuits which also fixes,
as nearly as can be ascertained, the
date of erection of the present mill.
Deposition : Dec. 20, 1803. “I,

Mary Potter of Ipswich, in the
county of Essex, widow, of lawful
age, do testify that when I was about
eighteen years of age, I was at a
place called Howlett’s in the town of
Topsfield, in said county, where Mr.
Hobbs’ mill now stands, which was
about sixty-five years ago, at which
time there was no mill where Hobbs’
mill now stands according to the best
of my recollection.” She also states
that her brother, Elisha Cummings,
then 85 years of age, was about
twenty-five when the sawmill was
built, and that the cornmill was
erected some two or three years pre-
vious, both first owned by Thomas
Howlett.

I have in my possession the first
deed of these mills, given by Thomas
Howlett to Nathaniel Hood, July 22,

166

1746. As it seems to me both an
interesting and valuable historical doc-
ument, I quote from it at length. “I,
Thomas Howlett, of Topsfield, in Con-
sideration of Eight hundred pounds to
me paid by Nathaniel Hood, House-
wright, Have given, etc., a Certain
Tract of Land with a Corn Mill and
Saw Mill Standing upon it and Con-
taining by Estimation Six acres be
it more or be it less, and bounded as
followeth, Beginning at the South
westerly Corner of the Bridge which
is below the Mills Called Howlett’s
Bridge, thence westerly to a Stake
and Stones on the Southerly side of
both roads and about one pole and a
half Southwesterly from the Little
bridge near Tho. Howlett’s house,
thence Northwesterly about Ten
poles to a Stake Standing about one
pole from the middle of the road
Leading from Capt. Perkinses to
Ipswich, from thence to Capt
Tobijah Perkins his land, having one
pole from the middle of ye road on
the Southerly Side all along to ye
fence in said perkius Line, thence
northeasterly with sd perkins Land
till it Comes to the Brook then Cros-
sing the Brook by sd Perkinses Line
till it Comes to mr. Burleys Land,
then Southerly by sd Burleys Land
to the northerly End of the Mill
Dam, thence southerly about five or
six Pole to an Elm Tree Standing on
the northeasterly Side of the Brook,
from thence to the Bounds first men-
tioned. To Have and to hold, etc. —
Thomas Howlett
Lydia Howlett

I have good reason to believe that
the land here deeded to Nathaniel
Hood is the same six acres which, in
1651, was granted by the town to

Ensign Thomas Howlett “wheare the
said Ensigne have built his house.”
But in this deed there is no mention
of any dwelling house, and Thomas
Howlett is living on what was after-
wards the Robinson place. I there-
fore conclude that he took advantage
of the clause in his father’s will which
stated that “my son Thomas shall
have liberty to pull down and carry
away the newest end of my now
dwelling house,” and allowed the old
part to go to decay.

1 have tried to conjecture how it
happened that this old deed should
be in our possession and have
thought it probable that Nathaniel
Hood lived with Andrew Burley on
what is now our farm while his own
house was building. For Nathaniel
Hood did build a house, as we ascer-
tain from a deed afterwards given to
Abraham Hobbs and dated 1749.
Nathaniel Hood, who was a grand-
son of Richard, the first Hood who
came into these parts, and an uncle,
twice removed, of our esteemed
townsman S. D. Hood, Esq., there-
fore lived here and owned the mill
three years. By this second deed
the owner reserves to himself “one
half of the Saw Mill with Half the
Saw Mill Tools & also Convenient
yard room for the use of His part in
sd Saw mill, it is also to be under-
stood that the said Hood & his Heirs
is to maintain a quarter part of the
Dam now in being belonging to the
said Mills, it is further to be under-
stood ye sd Hood for Himself and
Heirs doth Reserve Half the Stream
leading to the Saw Mill, also the
Dwelling House & Orchard Standing
thereon.” This dwelling house
referred to must be the present

167

Perkins house. I am told that the
frame of this house plainly shows
that it was built at three different
times. The east part is the oldest,
therefore we conclude that this part
was erected by Nathaniel Hood and
must be about 150 years old.

The deed above referred to, dated
March 25, 1749, gives us the date of
Abraham Hobbs’ first appearance in
this part of the town. Henceforth
the history of the Hobbs’ is the his-
tory of the neighborhood. I have
therefore endeavored to find out as
much as possible about the family.

Jonathan Hobbs is said to be the
first Hobbs who came to Ipswich.
From him it is supposed that the
Abraham was descended who mar-
ried Susanna Abbott and lived in
Hamilton. His son baptized Apr.
24. 1720 is the Abraham who married
Sarah Brown of Ipswich, May 15,
1768 and afterwards came to Tops-
field. Tradition claims that he had
twelve children who were named
after the twelve tribes of Israel.
This, however, is not quite correct.
We find recorded the births of ten
children, all having good old Bible
names. They were Abraham, Isaac
and Jacob, Joseph, Benjamin, David
and Jonathan, Sarah, Elizabeth and
Susanna. Of Isaac, Jacob and
Joseph we know little except like
other people they were born, married
and died. The names of the other
sons are found in many deeds and
records.

The next deed of the mill, in
order of time, is given by Abraham
Hobbs to Arthur Browne, Feb. 25,
1752. Lydia Ilowlett, left a widow
by the death of her husband Thomas
in 1746, married Arthur Browne in

1751. The deed is as follows: “In
consideration of the sum of four
hundred seventy and five pounds to
me in hand well and truly paid by
Arthur Browne Clothier, I have given
etc., one half of a certain Corn Mill
and one quarter of a certain Saw
mill being the same mills which Mr.
Thomas Ilowlett dec’d once sold
unto Mr. Nathaniel Hood : together
with half of the Corn Mill and a
quarter part of the saw mill Tools,
also a proportionable part of the
Dam and Stream belonging to said
Mills.”

May 5, 1758, we find the follow-
ing paragraph in the will of Arthur
Browne : “I, Arthur Browne, miller,
being about to go into His Majesty’s
Service, give unto my well beloved
wife Lydia Browne all my estate
both real and personal to be at
her own disposal forever.”

Extract from inventory of his
estate. “To half a corn mill and a
quarter of a saw mill. A negro girl.”

When Nathaniel Hood and Mrs.
Lydia Browne made over their rights
in the mill to Abraham Hobbs I
have not been able to ascertain, but
they probably simply gave quit claim
deeds which were not recorded.

Iu 1767 Abraham Hobbs purchases
of the heirs of Thomas Cummings
the farm afterwards known as the
Robinson farm. The first recorded
deed of this place is given by the
heirs of Thomas Howlett to Thomas
Cummings May 6, 1763. “In con-
sideration of the sum of two hundred
sixty seven pounds six shillings
convey etc : a certain tract or parcel
of upland and meadow containing
about thirty nine acres be the same
more or less with ye Buildings there-

168

on situated in Topsfield afores’d
bounded beginning at a Stake with
Stones about at ye Northerly Corner,
said Stake standing one Rod from
the Highway thence southwesterly
by Land of sd Thomas Howlett and
Ammie Howlett about Sixty Pole to
a Stake thence southeasterly by Land
of Lieut. Luke Averill and sd Thom-
as Cummings and by land of John
Lamson & William and Stephen
Brown thence by land of Pelatiah
Cummings Easterly to the River
thence Northerly and Northwesterly
by ye River and by Land of Abraham
Hobbs to the Bounds first j men-
tioned.”

The second deed of this place
given by the heirs of Thomas Cum-
mings to Abraham Hobbs Apr. 21,
1767, gives the bounds of another
piece of land making the whole
amount conveyed at this time about
fifty four acres.

It is probable that the senior Abra-
ham now took up his abode on the
new farm, as his eldest son Abraham
was already married. His wife was
Elizabeth Cummings and his children
Elizabeth, Lydia, Salome, Abraham,
Lydia, Hannah, Dolle. Polly and
Susanna. Isaac, the second son, was
also married to Susanna Smith, May
13, 1766, and his children were
Sarah, Elijah, Priscilla, Isaac, Pris-
cilla, Elizabeth. Munson, Samuel,
Susanna and Humphrey. They
could hardly have all lived in the
Perkins house even if the west part
had been added, as it perhaps was at
about this time.

We find Abraham Hobbs now
owning the mill and two farms with
doubtless many outlying pieces of
land. He was also held in some

esteem in town, as he was selectman
in 1771 and ’72, and representative
to the State legislature in 1779,
1783-85.

In 1782 he begins to deed his
property to his sons. The first deed
is a deed of the Perkins place and
the mills to his son Benjamin. “In
consideration of three hundred and
thirty eight pounds silver money to
me in hand well and truly paid me
by Benjamin Hobbs of Topsfield —
cordwainer — do convey unto the said
Benj. Hobbs all the dwelling-house
& one half of all the land and one
half of all the buildings on the land
hereafter mentioned to be divided
equally according to quantity and
quality.”

Apr. 29, 1785 a companion deed
is given to Abraham Hobbs, jun. and
Philip Mackenzie: “Convey unto

the said Abraham Hobbs & Philip
Mackenzie the other half of all the
lands, tenements & buildings thereon
of what I sold to my son Benjamin
Hobbs.”

May 4, 1785 a deed was given by
Abraham Hobbs to Abraham Hobbs
jun. of one half of the farm he had
bought of Thomas Cummings.

By a deed of the same date the
other half of this farm was conveyed
to another son, Jonathan Hobbs.

About this time the sixth son,
David Hobbs, comes into full posses-
sion of the Averill place. I have
been unable to find any deed given
to him, and am obliged to base my
dates upon tradition. Mr. Austin
Averill tells me that his grandmother,
the wife of Solomon Averill, was a
granddaughter of Joseph Cummings.
When she was eighteen years of age
she came to live with her grandfather

169

on the hill. She remained there two
or three years and while there
came to the raising of the present
Averill barn, by David Hobbs. She
died in 1851, being 85 years of age.
It is rather a roundabout way to get
at it, but it fixes the date of the rais-
ing of the barn at about 1785 or ’86.
Probably the house was built first,
and therefore these buildings would
be something like 110 years old.
We presume also that David Hobbs
dug the well by the roadside. There
is still an old fashioned well sweep
here. Modern pipes are convenient
but they do not improve the taste of
the water. If you wish to prove
this, on some hot day in summer
when you are weary and thirsty, stop
and get a drink of the finest water to
be found anywhere in this vicinity.

March 26, 1792 Benjamin Hobbs
becomes sole owner of the Perkins
place and the mills, receiving at that
time a deed from his brother Abra-
ham, of his share in this property,
having received five years before a
similar deed from Philip Mackenzie.
Two years previous, Apr. 20, 1790,
Jonathan Hobbs gives a deed of his
half ot the Robinson place to his
brother Abraham, who already
owned the other half.

We now have distinctly a Hobbs
neighborhood, owned by the three
brothers, Abraham, Benjamin and
David. Mr. Samuel Mackenzie used
to tell me there were so many Hobbs’
here that the place was called the
City of the Hobbs’. As they passed
away their name was dropped, but
the term “City” still remains.

Mr. David Hobbs married Rhoda
Cummings Apr. 20, 1774. His

children were David, Lucy, Nabby,

Rhoda and George, His eldest son
David married Sally Perkins 1799,
and his children were David, Moses
and David Cummings Hobbs. A
few months previous to his marriage,
Dec. 18, 1798, he purchased the
present Bell place of Charles Davis.
I have endeavored to trace the
ownership of this place as far back
as possible, and find that it was in
the possession of Nathaniel Low in
1748. The first deed I found was
given by Nathaniel Low to Samuel
Low and John Bradstreet, June 9,
1753.

Apr. 9, 172# a deed is given by
John Bradstreet to Samuel Low “of
the one half of a certain Parcel of
Land lying in Topsfield which they
formerly bought together of Nathan-
iel Low of Topsfield.”

Samuel Low gives a deed of this
homestead to Charles Davis Feb. 26,
1787.

Of the three Hobbs brothers pre-
viously referred to, I think I have
heard the most about Benjamin. I
am told that he used to sit in the
door of the mill and compose poetry,
an example which I recommend to
the present miller. The only scrap
of his verse which I have been able
to obtain runs as follows :

“Now from the high and lofty hill
I see the meadows dressed in green,
The wiuding river gently flows
The everlasting hills between.”
Nothing very remarkable, to be
sure, but it shows that Benjamin had
a poetical soul ; he also, according
to report, was considerably belliger-
ent, and his law suits were numerous.
He quarrelled with Jacob Peabody
about the mill-dam, and with my
grandfather about the boundary line

170

between their farms. It is related
that they disputed about the posses-
sion of the willows by the brookside.
My grandfather claimed them and
cut them down, whereupon the re-
doubtable Benjamin hauled them
away under cover of the darkness.
This gave rise to more poetry attrib-
uted to a great aunt of miue, Ann
Clarke. It is not at all in the style of
Anne Bradstreet, but nevertheless
may not be without interest to the
unregenerate mind : —

“There was a miller I knew once,
And he took double toll,

I’d not be in that miller’s place
For all his weight in gold.

A poor man cut some willows down
To make himself a fire,

The miller hauled the trees away,
Which made the poor man swear.”

Benjamin Hobbs was thrice mar-
ried, first to Mary Friend of
Wenham, published Nov. 2, 1771;
second, to Mrs. Mehitable Searle of
Rowley, published May 20, 1804 and
third, to Mrs. Mary -Jane Fuller of
Salem, Feb. 25, 1812. He had only
one son, Daniel, born Apr. 25, 1779.
It is said that Mr. Hobbs was very
proud of this son’s strength, and
would put the heaviest grists upon
his back in order to show to those
who came to the mill how he could
lift and what feats he could perform.
This in time caused a terrible de-
formity and in his later years he was
unable to walk. The old people say
that he went upon all fours and
hopped like a toad. He came in
once to make a call upon my grand-
mother, who felt herself in rather an
embarrassing position, as she was in
the habit of asking her callers to sit

down, but did not know as this one
could sit down.

Daniel Hobbs married Hannah
Friend Apr. 20, 1802. In a deed
dated May 26, 1804, his father Ben-
jamin Hobbs conveys to him “in
consideration of two thousand dol-
lars one half of all my real estate
with the westerly part of the dwelling
house and also the whole of the land
that the store stands upon with all
the privileges thereto belonging.’’

The building here designated as
the store was built by Benjamin
Hobbs for his son, as on account of
his deformity he was unable to do
the harder work of the farm and
mill. It is said that he used to
spring up on the counter like a rat.
It has been made into a house within
my recollecton and was occupied by
Miss Mary Jane Perkins until her
death.

Abraham Hobbs gives to Abraham
Hobbs, jun., a deed of half the Cum-
mings farm, dated Jan. 14, 1809.
About this time the old house, prob-
ably the first house upon the place,
caught fire from an overturned lamp
and was utterly consumed. The
present house was soon erected,
probably during the same year,
making the old Robinson house, as we
call it, about 88 years old.

In 1810 I find the first record of
the connection of Benjamin Hobbs
and John Mackenzie. This is a deed
from the former to the latter of “one
undivided moiety of all the lands
and real estate and personal property
belonging to said Benjamin.”

In the same 3'earalso “I, Benjamin
Hobbs, miller, have constituted, etc.,
John Mackenzie of Lynn, wheel-
wright, to be my lawful attorney for

171

me to receive of and from all and
every person, etc., such money,
debts, etc., as shall be payable or
coming unto me the constituent by
any means whatsoever, and I here
assign, etc., to said John, all my
personal Estate, all outstanding.debts
and demands and empower him to
collect, receive and demand the same
for his own use, giving him my full
power and authority in the premises.”
Still another deed is passed be-
tween the same parties, bearing date
Feb. 7, 1812. “I Benjamin Hobbs,
yeoman, in consideration of two
thousand dollars paid by John
Mackenzie of said Topsfield, wheel-
wright, give, grant and convey all
my real and personal estate, to wit,
one undivided moiety of all my
homestead in said Topsfield with the
buildings and mills thereon, etc.”
Thus closely were the affairs of the
Mackenzies and Hobbs intermixed.
What trouble afterwards arose be-
tween them I do not know. In the
course of my investigations I have
found two instances where their
interests conflicted.

I have already stated that Abra-
ham Hobbs jun. received a deed
from his father of half the Cummings
farm in 1809. It seems this Abra-
ham inherited the bellicose tenden-
cies of his family. At or about this
time John Mackenzie was tending
the mill and associated with him was
his brother William. He being of
small stature, the stalwart Abraham
thought him an easy prey and visited
the mill one day in John’s absence
for the purpose of picking a quarrel
with him. William defended him-
self as best he could and drew his
antagonist farther and farther out

upon the bridge over the flume.
There he managed to push or pull
him over and soon both were
struggling in the water. Here Wil-
liam had the advantage, as he could
swim while Abraham could not, and
soon reached the land. By this time
John Mackenzie had appeared on the
scene. William vowed that Hobbs
might drown for all the help he would
give him, but John sprang into the
water, held up the drowning man’s
head and assisted him to land.
Safely on land Abraham at once
bestowed his blows upon the new
comer. Here he had found his
match in size and strength, but John,
unwilling to fight, retreated up the
hill, simply keeping his antagonist at
bay. At length his Highland blood
was roused, and by a well directed
blow he felled Abraham to the earth,
breaking two of his ribs. Then the
numerous Hobbs family, who bad
been watching the battle from afar,
came and bore away the helpless
form of their fallen chieftain.
Abraham Hobbs afterwards brought
suit against the man who had saved
his life, but for once law and justice
were on the same side and John
Mackenzie won the case, but agreed
to remit the fine if Hobbs would
leave the place. This he did, remov-
ing to Nottingham, N. H. After a
while he returned and when he ap-
peared again among his old neigh-
bors they slyly whispered “Notting-
ham.” This was exceedingly un-
pleasant to him but the name clung
and thereafter he was always known
as “Nottingham” Hobbs. I had
heard Mr. Alfred Mackenzie speak
of him by this name and supposing
it to be his Christian name, looked

172

through the records for “Notting-
ham” Hobbs in vain. When next I
saw Mr. Mackenzie I stated my
difficulty and he related to me the
preceding story. I find that John
Mackenzie afterwards had some
trouble with Daniel Hobbs and re-
covered judgment against him for
$222 20, dated Aug. 1, 1812.

In March, 1813, Dauiel Hobbs,
Benjamin Hobbs and John Macken-
zie give deeds of the mills and the
adjacent farm to Moses Newman
and Elisha Perkins.

Daniel Hobbs died May 28, 1814.
Sept. 30, 1825. the senior Abraham
Hobbs died in Topsfield poorhouse,
aged about 85.

The following }-ear his son, Abra-
ham ‘•Nottingham” Hobbs, gives a
deed of the Robinson place, — the old
Cummings farm — to David Hobbs,
jun. and John Rea, jun., dated
March 21. 1826.

Abraham Hobbs, David Hobbs,
jun.. and John Rea, jun. give a deed
of the same farm to Moses Wildes,
dated May 10, 1826.

Moses Wildes sells it to Joseph
Adams March 10, 1829. and Joseph
Adams to Benj. Robinson Apr. 15,
1842.

The Robinson family staid on the
farm till 1874, since which time it
has had four different owners.

The last Hobbs who lived upon
this place, though I believe he had
no ownership therein, was George
Hobbs, a son of the first David. He
it was who worked in the shop near
the old schoolhouse and whose por-
trait was drawn upon the door by
Mrs. Samuel Mackenzie, (see History
of Mackenzie Family.) He was a
blacksmith by trade and was always

called by the old people “Master
George.” His work was rude and
bungling, yet strong and enduring.
Often have I been told when viewing
some household utensil with childish
curiosity, “Oh, Master George made
that.” We have a mortar which at
one time had an idea of splitting in
two. The services of “Master
George” were thereupon called in,
and an iron hoop was placed around
it big enough and strong enough to
belt in a man-of-war, fastened also
with a cunning device which would
have been impossible to a person of
ordinary mind. I think that mortar
will outlast the centuries.

The father of “Master George,”
Mr. David, died at the present Aver-
ill place, Feb. 25, 1830. During his
last years he was blind, a state of
things, I am told, largely caused by
undue indulgence in New England
rum. His physician warned him
that if he persisted in his course he
would lose the use of his eyes.
“Then farewell eyes” promptly
responded the patient. And so he
lived and died happy in the posses-
sion of that which in his view gave
value to life.

The estate was sold by his secoud
wife and widow Rebecca Card to
Cyrus Averill, March 30, 1826. She
then went to live with her stepson,
David Hobbs, at the present Bell
place, where she died Oct. 1, 1851
at the great age of 96 years.

This place was the last place owned
by the Hobbs in our vicinity. There
have been two houses on this farm,
probably built by the two brothers
Nathaniel and Samuel Low, when
they owned the estate together, that
is, it seems so from the deeds. The

»

cellar of one of these houses may
still be seen, while the remaining
house has the appearance of being
very old. Like the Perkins’ house it
has had additions at different times,
one part being made of one kind of
wood, another part of a different
kind and so on. Nathaniel Low
owned here in 1747 ; very likely the
beginning was made at that time,
perhaps before.

I am told that interesting relics of
the Hobbs family are still to be
found here, various ancient articles,
with tools and implements large
enough for the use of giants.

And they do say that this last
Hobbs house is haunted. It is a
fact that a family left the house on
account of the unexplainable noises
heard therein. Doors opened noise-
lessly, mysterious footsteps were
heard crossing some of the rooms.
At times a fearful clangor broke out
in the old blacksmith shop and all
the spinning wheels were set a-whirr-
iug. To be sure, the present owner

making light of these things, skepti-
cally states that the doors in old
houses will rattle and get out of
order and even speaks of rats in
connection with the mysterious
noises. But we all know there are
some people who never believe any-
thing. I confess to a love for the
marvellous. ‘‘There are more things
in heaven and earth, Horatio, than
are dreamt of in your philosophy.”
The mill and the accompanying
estate passed entirely into the hands
of the Perkins family in 1826.
Jacob Perkins had previously bought
his brother Elisha’s part. This deed
is dated March 15, 1823.

“Homestead, dwelling house, barn,
grist mill, carding mill and other
buildings therein, including all the
carding and other machinery in and
pertaining to said mills.”

The homestead still remains in the
family. The mill was retained by
them till 1878, when it passed into
the hands of its present owner, Mr.
Wellington Donaldson.

“The Treason of Ivieiat. John Gould.”

By Rev. Francis A. Poole.

The accession of James II to the
throne of England boded no good to
the colonists of Massachusetts Bay.
At the beginning of his reign they
were an independent people living
under a , 'representative government,
levying their own taxes, conducting
their own courts of justice, coining
their own money. At the close of
the third year of his reign they were
none the less independent in spirit
but the privileges of independence
had been taken away. Legislation
and taxation had become the prerog-
atives of Edmund Andros, the Gov-
ernor of New England ; the courts
of justice were under his influence ;
even the process of “countenancing
and encouraging the Church of
England” was well under way and
Episcopal services were held every
Sunday in the Old South Meeting-
house at Boston.

So decided a change in their con-
dition was naturally very depressing
to the colonists and the smouldering
fires of their indignation threatened
at any time to become a blaze. But
the oppression was so shrewdly con-
ducted that the opportunity for
concerted action was long in present-
ing itself.

Only gradually were changes in
the judiciary and in the system of
taxation consummated, and then
under the cover of professed advan-
tage to the citizens. Remonstrance
only resulted in making the burdens
heavier and for the most part the
people seemed to realize that “dis-

cretion was the better part of valor.”

But the spirit of liberty taught by
their religion and nourished by their
past privileges was not easily re-
strained. Passive submission was
impossible to some high-strung
natures. It was inevitable that in
isolated instances at least the sup-
pressed indignation would find an
utterance, and so it was in fact.
In Essex county especially the inde-
pendent spirit was too strong to keep
the silence. And while it is said
that several towns in the State
refused to conform to a certain odious
measure, it is said that in Essex
county every town but three joined
in this refusal. In Ipswich the
opposition to the measure was par-
ticularly strenuous and the leaders
in the opposition, six in number,
were arrested and heavily fined.

But the beginning of the attempt
to coerce Massachusetts was even
prior to the coming of Andros, and
at the very outset the ire of the in-
dependent Puritan was aroused.
Among the first to express his indig-
nation at the new order of affairs
was a a respected citizen of the town
of Topsfield, Lieut. John Gould.

The abrogation of the charter of
Massachusetts was the act of Charles
II, but before any arrangements had
been made for the government of the
colony his death had suddenly
occurred. There were too many
affairs at home engaging the atten-
tion of his successor for him to con-
sider the situation across the Atlan-

tic and accordingly he directed that
for the present all the officials in the
colonies should exercise their func-
tions as heretofore As a provision-
al expedient, therefore, the govern-
ment of Massachusetts Bay was
conducted according to the old
charter, while the people awaited
the pleasure of the King. They
were not left long in doubt as to the
nature of his policy. By the influ-
ence of Edward Randolph a tem-
porary government was established
with Joseph Dudley as President,
William Stoughton as Deputy Pres-
ident and Edward Randolph himself
as Secretary. “Their functions
were judicial and executiye. They
had no legislative authority.” Be-
fore the General Court of Massachu-
setts Bay, which however the officers
of the new government refused to
recognize in an official capacity,
Dudley and Randolph laid their
commissions. On the third day fol-
lowing, but under protest, the old
government was dissolved, the Gen-
eral Court having first passed by a
unanimous vote a reply to the terms
of his Majesty’s commission.

The first criticism that they made
was this : “We find that there is no
certain determinate rule for your
administration of justice, and that
which is, seems too arbitrary.” This
was upon May 20, 1686. And as
we may well believe, the knowledge
of what had taken place furnished
material for discussion in every village
of the colony. Some of the weaker
men were doubtless resolved already
to support the new order. The
stronger ones were indignant against
it, and none more so than Lieut.
John Gould of Topsfield. He seems

to have had special feeling against
the court regulations referred to
above, and between May 23d and
May 30th was heard to say : “That
if the county was of his mind, they
would keep Salem Court with the
former majistrates, and if the county
would go the rounds, he would make
the first, and would go and keep
Salem court and he would have his
company down to do it.” The
events of a month seem not to have
cooled the ardor of his resentment,
for on or about the 11th day of July
he broke out again with this declara-
tion : “That he was under another
Government and had sworn to
another Government, and did not
know this Government.” Heroic
John Gould ! But his liberty of
speech cost him dearly. There were
those who heard his words of noble
indiscretion and upon the represen-
tations of Isaac Cummings, John
Wild and John How he was charged
with treason. A warrant was issued
for his arrest and he was committed
to jail in Boston. This was upon
the 5th of August, 1686. A copy
of the original warrant is here
appended :

Boston, Sc.

To the Keeper of his Majesty's
Jail in Boston .

The President of his Majesty’s
Territory and Dominion of New
England, with the Deputy President
and others of his Majesty’s Council
assembled, the 7th day of August
1686, having received information
upon the oaths of Isaac Cummings,
John Wild, and John How, of sev-
eral treasonable and seditious words,
spoken by John Gould of Topsfield,

176

against our Sovereign Lord the
King, <fcc. These are therefore, in
his majesty’s name, to require you
to take into your Custody the body
of the said John Gould, and him
safely keep until he shall be deliv-
ered in due course of Law, and for
doing this shall be your warrant,
given at the Council House in Bos-
ton, the said 5th day of August,
Anno Dorn. 1686. Anno que R. R.
Jacobi Dei Gratia Angliae &c. —
secundi.

Vera Copia. Ed Randolph.

Sec.

He appears to have been suffering
from some physical ailment and
therefore sent a petition to the Pres-
ident and Council of his Majesty’s
Territory and Dominion of New
England, in consequence of which it
was ordered: “That the Prison-

keeper do permit the said John Gould
to have the benefit of the Prison
yard to walk in during his sickness
(the keeper taking care the said
Gould make not an escape) till fur-
ther order.”

Council House Boston, Aug. 12, 1686.
(signed)

Ed. Randolph, Sec’ry.

On August 19 he was brought to
trial before a special session of the
Court held in Boston. He was
found guilty of the charge of treason
and sent to prison.

A copy of the original document
in which under oath John Wild, John
How, Isaac Cummings & Ephraim
How witness against John Gould is
herewith inserted.

CASE OF JOHN GOULD CHARG-
ED WITH TREASON.

New England, Sc.

Hex Contra Could in Sessione
Specially 19 th Aug. 1686.

The Jurors for our Sovereign Lord,
the King, do upon their oaths pres-
ent, that John Gould, sen., otherwise
called Lieutenant Gould of Topsfield,
in the County of Essex, husband-
man, by force and arms, that is to
say, between the 23d and 30th of
May, in the second year of the reign
of our Sovereign Lord, &c., being
evilly affected against our most
sacred Lord the King aforesaid, his
supreme and natural Lord, and
devising with all his might, and in-
tending to disturb the peace and
common tranquillity of this his
Majesty’s Territory and Domain of
New England, as the same is now
settled by his Majesty’s Royal
Commission under his great seal of
England, and the introducing again
of the late Government dissolved by
law, at a Riotous Muster of armed
men gathered together by him, the
aforesaid John Gould as their pre-
tended officer, at Topsfield aforesaid,
in the County aforesaid, in the year
aforesaid, he the said John Gould as
aforesaid, then and there being, did
against the duty of his Allegiance,
and in terror of his Majesty’s liege
People, maliciously, wickedly, sedi-
tiously, treasonably, and advisedly,
speak and utter these malicious,
treasonable, and seditious speeches
following, viz : If the Country was
of his mind, they would keep Salem
Court with the former Magistrates,
and if the Country would go the
Rounds, he would make the first,
and would go and keep Salem Court,
and he would have his Company
down to do it. And, further, he,
the said John Gould as aforesaid, on

or about the 11th day of July, at
Topstield aforesaid, in the County
aforesaid, in the year aforesaid,
maliciously, advisedly and treasona-
bly, did say and utter these malicious,
treasonable and seditious words, fol-
lowing, viz : That he was under
another Government and had sworn
to another Government, and did not
know this Government, and this in
manitest contempt of his Majesty’s
laws and Government here in New
England, to the will and pernicious
example of all others in the like case
offending, and against the peace of
our said Sovereign Lord the King,
his Crown and dignity.

John Wild, ^

JohuHowe, (. Witnesses.

Isaac Cummings, [

Ephraim Howe, j

The punishment thus meeted out
to him was hard to bear. His fami-
ly, consisting of wife and eight
children, was deprived of the means
of support and he therefore sends a
special petitition “to the honorable
President and Council of his Majes-
ty’s Territory and Dominion of New
England.” He promises allegiance
to the new government, states that
he is “heartily sorry for the idle
words he utterred” and asks “that
upon his payment of twenty pounds,
fees of Court, and giving sufficient
security for his good behavior he
may be freed from his imprison-
ment.” The total amount of the
bill of costs was £10.01.00, itemized
as follows :

Rex versus Gould. A bill of
costs at a special court of Oyer and
Terminer, holden in Boston, for his
Majesty’s Territory and Dominion of
New England.

Aug. 19 th 1686.

The Judge’s fee, £1.00.00

Drawing the Indictment, 0.02.06

Filing the Indictment, 0.01.00

Taking 4 Recognizances in

Court, 0.08.00

Filing the same, 0.01.00

For the venire facias to the

Justice and Marshall, 0.02.00

For reading the Evidences,

No. 4, 0.01.00

For taking and entering the

verdicts, 0.02.00

For entering the Judgement, 0 02.00
For the Discharge, 0.02.00

The Attorney General’s fee,
for pleading on the in-
dictment, 1.10.00

Ipswich Court Charges, 0.17.06

Charges of witnesses at Bos-
ton. 2.12.00

Paid in Court to 4 persons, 1.00.00

Marshall Green’s Journey, 2.00.00

£10.01.00

The petition of John Gould was
as follows.

To the honorable , the President
and Council of his Majesty's Terri-
tory and Dominion of New Eng-
land

The humble petition of John Gould
humbly sheweth.

That your petitioner shall ever
pray for your Honours’ prosperity,
as in duty bound, for your favorable
answer to his late petition ; which, if
he were able, he would readily em-
brace without further troubling your
honours ; but his fortune being very
inconsiderable and that incumbered ;
and being uncapable to get a penny
toward the support of his wife and
eight children. He, therefore, most
humbly prays, that your honours

178

will be pleased to take his deplorable
condition into further consideration,
(he being heartily sorry for the idle
words he uttered) that, on his pay-
ment of twenly pounds, fees of
Court, and giving sufficient security
for his good behaviour, he may be
freed from his imprisonment. And
your petitioner, as in duty bound,
shall ever pray, etc.

John Gould.

His petition was granted and on
Aug. 25 he was released from con-
finement. There is apparently some
confusion regarding the terms upon
which his release was secured. For
there seem to be two documents in
which his discharge is ordered. In
one of these it is required that he
pay the sum of twenty pounds beside
prison fees and fees of prosecution
and furnish bond for his good be-
havior.

In the other the amount additional
to the charges of prosecution is
fixed at fifty pounnds instead of
twenty and it is stated that on this
being paid the remainder of his fine
will be respited. Both documents
are signed by Ed. Randolph, Sec’y.

Ordered, that upon the petitioners
payment of the sum of twenty
pounds to the Treasurer and Prison
fees and fees of Prosecution, that he
be discharged his imprisonment upon
giving bond for his good behaviour.

Ed. Randolph, Secretary .

Aug. \5th. 1686.

By the President and Council of
his Majesty's Territory and Domin-
ion of New England.

Upon reading the petition of John
Gould, and considering the poverty
of his family it is ordered,

That upon the payment of Fifty
Pounds in Money, and charges of
Prosecution, the remainder of his fine
be respited and he be released of his
imprisonment, he giving bonds for
his good behaviour, according to
order of Court.

Ed. Randolph, Secretary .

Aug. 25th , 1686.

As security for his future good be-
havior Lieut. Gould bound himself in
the sum of 100 pounds, a copy of
which bond is inserted herewith.

Know all men by these' presents,
that I, John Gould, senior, otherwise
called Lieutenant Gould of Tops-
field, in the county of Essex (in his
Majesty’s Territory and Dominion of
New England.) husbandman, am
holden and firmly bound unto the most
Illustrious Prince, James II. of Eng-
land, etc., King etc , his heirs, or
lawful Attorney in the sum of one
hundred pounds, to the which pay-
ment. well and truly to be made, I
bind myself firmly by these presents,
sealed with my seal, dated the twenty-
fifth da}T of September, in the 2d year
of the reign of our said Sovereign
Lord, James II, of England, etc., and
in the year of our Lord, one thousand
six hundred eighty six. The con-
dition of this obligation is such, that
if the above bounden John Gould
senior, do well and truly keep the
peace of our Sovereign Lord, the
King aforesaid, and shall also be of
good behavior towards our said Lord,
the King, and all his liege people,
especially to the inhabitants of Tops-
field, aforesaid, then this recogniz-
ance to be void and of none effect,
or otherwise to be and remain in full
force, power and virtue.

John Gould, Senior.

179

Signed, sealed and delivered to the
use of our said Sovereign Lord, the
King, in the presence of Benjamin
Bullivant.

The readiness with which the gal-
lant lieutenant swore devotion to the
King’s government, now that adver-
sity had followed his resistance, is
at first surprising, but in the absence
of any wide spread disposition to
rebel against the authority of the
King, it may have seemed useless
that he should become a martyr, and
in praying for release upon the terms
stated, he did but follow the example
of the majority, who, much as they
disliked to do so, realized that sub-
mission was for the present the
wisest course.

He seems to have suffered nothing
in the respect of his fellow citizens,
for when by the accession of William
and Mary to the throne of England,
the Andros administration came to
an end, John Gould was re-elected
to his old office as selectman of the
town, “and in 1690, and afterwards,
he was chosen the deputy of Tops-
field to the General Court.” It
seems also from the record of a
church meeting held in the house of
Rev. Joseph Capen, June 13, 1692,
that the church in Topsfield approved
his course and was displeased at the
conduct of John How and others.

In consequence of John How’s
testimony against Gould at the time
of his trial, a coldness had sprung
up and continued to exist between
them. Both were members of the
church, but Gould concluded, as is

surmised, that “if How is a worthy
member of the Christian church, and
one with whom it is fit and proper
for brethren to hold communion,
why, then I am not such a member,
and I will just stay away.” Accord-
ingly for a considerable time he re-
mained away from the communion ser-
vice. It was in the endeavor to bring
about more cordial relations between
the two men that this meeting of the
church was called. The church ex-
pressed its disapproval of the con-
duct of those who had testified
against Gould, and How acknowl-
edged that he was heartily sorry for
his part in that affair.

The church also disapproved of
Gould’s neglect of the table of the
Lord and he expressed contrition.
The two men then shook hands in
token of mutual forgiveness, each no
doubt made happier by this manly
course, while the blessing of the
peace maker was the portion of the
church.

Such in brief is the story of the
treason of John Gould. Treason
against tyranny whose other name is
devotion to justice and to freedom !

And such is one of the many
instances by which from time to
time the spirit of our sturdy fore-
fathers found expression, prophetic
always of that memorable day to
which they looked forward, on which
we look back, that day of Independ-
ence, when it was declared and soon
in bloody conflict proven, “that these
united colonies are and of right ought
to be free and independent states.”

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